A+
66%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
63%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
67%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePoway/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime343n/a (estimate)7172,5642,119
Murder0n/a0.04.55.0
Rape2n/a4.236.637.5
Robbery14n/a29.3119.160.6
Assault48n/a100.4325.8256.1
Violent crime64n/a (estimate)134486359
Burglary53n/a110.9305.8229.2
Theft197n/a412.11,345.21,272.1
Vehicle theft29n/a60.7427.5258.8
Property crime279n/a (estimate)5842,0781,760

Poway crime map

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The Poway crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Poway as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Poway crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Poway crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Poway, CA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Poway crime rate is 66.2% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Poway, there were 64 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 134 per 100,000 individuals, 62.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, Poway recorded 279 property crimes, amounting to 584 per 100,000 residents, 66.8% lower than the U.S. average.

With a crime rate of 717, significantly below the national average of 2119, Poway stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Poway reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Poway has a property crime rate of 584 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Poway is a safe place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Poway?

What do the local residents think about crime in Poway? Well, based on a recent survey of 7 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 86% of Poway residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 14% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Poway a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Poway is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Poway has a total crime rate that is 66% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.94 daily crimes (0.18 violent daily crimes and 0.76 daily property crimes) in Poway.

Has Crime in Poway Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Poway. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Poway has decreased by 18.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 20.8%, while property crimes have decreased by 23.8%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Poway

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Poway crime rate. The poverty level in Poway is 4.8%, while the national average is 15.1%.

Poway has a population density of 1313 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Poway crime rates.

In Poway, the cost of living is 84.82% 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.

Compare Poway, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Poway crime rates are 66% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Poway are 63% lower than the national average
      • In Poway you have a 1 in 140 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Poway is safer than 67% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Poway has decreased by 28%

      Poway, CA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Poway (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Poway on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of California and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Poway (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to California, are 3.57 times less than the state average and 2.95 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Poway on a daily basis are 3.63 times less than than California average and 2.68 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Poway are 3.56 times less than the daily state average and 3.02 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Poway (higher is better)

        How safe is Poway, California compared to other cities in California and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Poway is safer than 92% of the cities in California and 67% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in California and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Poway. Overall, Poway is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Poway

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Poway is 1 in 747
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Poway is 1 in 172
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Poway is 1 in 140
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Poway? If you reside in Poway, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 747. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 172 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Poway, is 1 in 140.

        Year Over Year Crime In Poway (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Poway, CA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Poway has decreased by 20%, while the property crime rate in Poway has decreased by 30% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Poway has decreased by 28% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Poway police department

        Item Poway California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)n/a51,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a3.63.3

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Rancho Santa Fe, CA2,73476326402
        Fairbanks Ranch, CA3,01976326402
        Lake San Marcos, CA4,10293397490
        Granite Hills, CA4,167132565697
        Crest, CA2,792148633781
        Santee, CA59,609254571826
        San Marcos, CA99,851222660882
        Poway, CA51,311134584717

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Enid, OK51,3015382,3842,922
        Plainfield, NJ51,2954111,6102,021
        East Hartford, CT51,352891,6701,759
        Lakewood, OH51,2621421,1411,283
        Stillwater, OK51,3661821,5511,733
        Poway, CA51,311134584717
        Source: The Poway, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.