| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Riverside/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 12,018 | n/a (estimate) | 3,757 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 17 | n/a | 5.3 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 138 | n/a | 43.1 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 434 | n/a | 135.7 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 1,063 | n/a | 332.3 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 1,652 | n/a (estimate) | 516 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 1,563 | n/a | 488.6 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 7,058 | n/a | 2,206.4 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,745 | n/a | 545.5 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 10,366 | n/a (estimate) | 3,241 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
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 Riverside crime rate is higher than the national average by 61.6%. Specifically, there were 1652 violent crimes in Riverside, equivalent to 516 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 39.7%. Furthermore, Riverside recorded 10366 property crimes, amounting to 3241 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 65.8%.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Riverside is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Riverside reported a total of 1745 vehicle thefts, resulting in 546 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 184, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What do the local residents think about crime in Riverside? Well, based on a recent survey of 128 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 34% of Riverside residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 66% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Riverside 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, Riverside has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 62%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 32.93 daily incidents, encompassing 4.53 violent crimes and 28.4 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Riverside as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Riverside. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Riverside has increased by 4.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 10.8%, while property crimes have increased by 3.9%. 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.
There are more than 28 different neighborhoods in the Riverside area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in Riverside include Canyon Crest, Orangecrest and Hawarden Hills. While Downtown, Eastside and Hunter Industrial Park have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.
In Riverside, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.1%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Riverside 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 Riverside, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.66 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.
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 Riverside stands at $389,500, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
| Item | Riverside | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 520 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| March ARB, CA | 1,236 | 166 | 779 | 946 |
| Romoland, CA | 2,755 | 259 | 1,216 | 1,475 |
| Coronita, CA | 3,968 | 270 | 1,267 | 1,538 |
| Fontana, CA | 212,704 | 287 | 1,287 | 1,574 |
| Meadowbrook, CA | 4,208 | 306 | 1,432 | 1,738 |
| Eastvale, CA | 65,766 | 133 | 1,693 | 1,827 |
| Highland, CA | 55,339 | 727 | 1,322 | 2,049 |
| Riverside, CA | 327,569 | 516 | 3,241 | 3,757 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 326,332 | 791 | 3,121 | 3,912 |
| Santa Ana, CA | 332,610 | 851 | 3,986 | 4,837 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 322,200 | 270 | 2,716 | 2,986 |
| Stockton, CA | 311,103 | 1,157 | 2,744 | 3,901 |
| Henderson, NV | 309,955 | 303 | 1,919 | 2,221 |
| Riverside, CA | 327,569 | 516 | 3,241 | 3,757 |
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