| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | National City/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,447 | n/a (estimate) | 2,635 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 7.3 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 16 | n/a | 29.1 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 122 | n/a | 222.2 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 240 | n/a | 437.0 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 382 | n/a (estimate) | 696 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 133 | n/a | 242.2 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 571 | n/a | 1,039.8 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 361 | n/a | 657.4 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,065 | n/a (estimate) | 1,939 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the National City crime rate is higher than the national average by 24.3%. Specifically, there were 382 violent crimes in National City, equivalent to 696 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 93.7%. Furthermore, National City recorded 1065 property crimes, amounting to 1939 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 10.2%.
In the most recent release, National City reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In National City, there were 1939 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and National City ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 361 vehicle thefts, amounting to 657 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places National City within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 153.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of National City residents. Out of the respondents (48 in total), 31% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in National City were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 69% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is National City 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 National City crime rate is 24% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.96 crimes per day - 1.05 violent crimes and 2.92 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in National City has decreased by 14.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of National City, 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 decreased by 5%, while property crime has decreased by 17.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not National City is a safe place to live.
National City has a poverty rate of 16.1, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In National City, the cost of living is 47.37% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In National City, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.84, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | National City | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 110 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Granite Hills, CA | 4,167 | 132 | 565 | 697 |
| Crest, CA | 2,792 | 148 | 633 | 781 |
| Santee, CA | 59,609 | 254 | 571 | 826 |
| Jamul, CA | 5,960 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Bonita, CA | 12,952 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Imperial Beach, CA | 27,956 | 539 | 638 | 1,176 |
| Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, CA | 19,721 | 233 | 998 | 1,232 |
| National City, CA | 63,422 | 696 | 1,939 | 2,635 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Spring, TX | 63,363 | 406 | 2,129 | 2,535 |
| Taylor, MI | 63,527 | 838 | 2,016 | 2,855 |
| Burnsville, MN | 63,628 | 210 | 1,889 | 2,098 |
| Council Bluffs, IA | 63,786 | 421 | 2,452 | 2,873 |
| Palm Harbor, FL | 63,813 | 178 | 948 | 1,126 |
| National City, CA | 63,422 | 696 | 1,939 | 2,635 |
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