| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lancaster/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,595 | n/a (estimate) | 2,744 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 13 | n/a | 7.8 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 83 | n/a | 49.6 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 335 | n/a | 200.0 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 1,022 | n/a | 610.2 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 1,453 | n/a (estimate) | 868 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 756 | n/a | 451.4 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,322 | n/a | 789.3 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,064 | n/a | 635.3 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 3,142 | n/a (estimate) | 1,876 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Lancaster is 18% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Lancaster, there were 1453 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 868 per 100,000 individuals, 134.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 3142 property crimes, amounting to 1876 per 100,000 residents, 4% lower than the U.S. average.
With a violent crime rate of 868 crimes per 100,000 residents, Lancaster is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Lancaster ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 116 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Lancaster exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1876 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Lancaster maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Lancaster has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Lancaster reported 1064 vehicle thefts, which equates to 635 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Lancaster is 1 in 158.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Lancaster residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 128 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 27% of Lancaster residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 73% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Lancaster a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Lancaster crime rate is 18% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 12.59 crimes per day - 3.98 violent crimes and 8.61 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Lancaster has increased by 18.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Lancaster, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 21.3%, while property crime has increased by 16.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Lancaster is a safe place to live.
In Lancaster, the cost of living is 12.71% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Lancaster has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Lancaster stands at $280,300, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
| Item | Lancaster | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Leona Valley, CA | 1,672 | 147 | 689 | 836 |
| Agua Dulce, CA | 3,494 | 153 | 716 | 869 |
| Elizabeth Lake, CA | 1,632 | 222 | 1,039 | 1,261 |
| Littlerock, CA | 948 | 277 | 1,300 | 1,577 |
| Desert View Highlands, CA | 3,259 | 292 | 1,369 | 1,661 |
| Acton, CA | 7,054 | 332 | 1,556 | 1,889 |
| Palmdale, CA | 153,240 | 557 | 1,550 | 2,107 |
| Lancaster, CA | 157,697 | 868 | 1,876 | 2,744 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Alexandria, VA | 158,309 | 186 | 1,952 | 2,138 |
| Hayward, CA | 158,817 | 357 | 2,901 | 3,258 |
| Salinas, CA | 156,177 | 521 | 1,677 | 2,198 |
| Clarksville, TN | 156,092 | 498 | 1,999 | 2,497 |
| Lakewood, CO | 155,733 | 814 | 5,324 | 6,137 |
| Lancaster, CA | 157,697 | 868 | 1,876 | 2,744 |
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