| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Needles/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 205 | n/a (estimate) | 4,201 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 204.9 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 143.4 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 74 | n/a | 1,516.4 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 91 | n/a (estimate) | 1,865 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 40 | n/a | 819.7 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 60 | n/a | 1,229.5 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 286.9 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 114 | n/a (estimate) | 2,336 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Needles is 80.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 91 violent crimes reported in Needles, equivalent to 1865 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 404.3%. Additionally, Needles recorded 114 property crimes, amounting to 2336 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 19.5%.
Having a crime rate of 4201 per 100,000 residents, Needles experiences a crime rate that is 80.74% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Needles contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Needles ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1865 per 100,000 people, Needles is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Needles, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
During the most recently reported crime year, Needles experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Needles. Based on the results of the surveys (31 responses), 68% of people felt that there was very little crime in Needles and felt safe walking alone at night. While 32% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Needles a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Needles has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 81%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.56 daily incidents, encompassing 0.25 violent crimes and 0.31 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Needles as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Needles has increased by 9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Needles is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 13.8%, while property crime has increased by 5.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Needles.
In Needles, 78.2% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In Needles, the cost of living is 23.23% lower 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.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Needles, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Needles | 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 |
| Golden Shores, AZ | 1,282 | 211 | 1,004 | 1,214 |
| Mohave Valley, AZ | 2,809 | 214 | 1,021 | 1,236 |
| Fort Mohave, AZ | 16,016 | 474 | 2,257 | 2,730 |
| Mesquite Creek, AZ | 517 | 537 | 2,560 | 3,098 |
| Willow Valley, AZ | 690 | 566 | 2,695 | 3,260 |
| Arizona Village, AZ | 822 | 608 | 2,899 | 3,507 |
| Needles, CA | 4,959 | 1,865 | 2,336 | 4,201 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Perry, OK | 4,959 | 287 | 1,873 | 2,160 |
| Buckley, WA | 4,960 | 284 | 1,103 | 1,387 |
| Barling, AR | 4,957 | 490 | 1,206 | 1,696 |
| Prospect, KY | 4,961 | 22 | 681 | 703 |
| Keyser, WV | 4,956 | 272 | 1,204 | 1,476 |
| Needles, CA | 4,959 | 1,865 | 2,336 | 4,201 |
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