| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | San Bernardino/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 9,218 | n/a (estimate) | 4,141 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 72 | n/a | 32.3 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 112 | n/a | 50.3 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 675 | n/a | 303.2 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 1,781 | n/a | 800.0 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 2,640 | n/a (estimate) | 1,186 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 1,244 | n/a | 558.8 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 3,608 | n/a | 1,620.7 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,726 | n/a | 775.3 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 6,578 | n/a (estimate) | 2,955 | 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 San Bernardino is 78.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 2640 violent crimes reported in San Bernardino, equivalent to 1186 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 220.7%. Additionally, San Bernardino recorded 6578 property crimes, amounting to 2955 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 51.2%.
With a crime rate of 4141 per 100,000 residents, San Bernardino has a crime rate that is 78.15% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in San Bernardino that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
San Bernardino is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1186 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in San Bernardino is 1 in 85.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. San Bernardino is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 72 murders in San Bernardino, which equates to 32 murders per 100,000 people. This results in San Bernardino being a very dangerous place to live.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and San Bernardino faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 1726 vehicle thefts, translating to 775 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places San Bernardino in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 129.
AreaVibes surveyed 196 local residents in San Bernardino to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 14% of people answered that there was very little crime in San Bernardino and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 86% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether San Bernardino is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, San Bernardino has an overall crime rate that is 78% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 25.25 daily occurrences, comprising 7.23 violent crimes and 18.02 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of San Bernardino as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in San Bernardino crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in San Bernardino has increased by 1.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 13% and property crime has increased by 8.6%.
The San Bernardino area comprises a diverse array of over 50 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Ridgeline, Muscoy and Nena which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Stadium West, Carousel and Feldheym exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different San Bernardino neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
San Bernardino has a poverty rate of 23.7, 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 areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. San Bernardino currently has an unemployment rate of 5.1%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
The median home price in San Bernardino is $272,600, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | San Bernardino | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 428 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Lytle Creek, CA | 656 | 224 | 1,052 | 1,276 |
| Fontana, CA | 212,704 | 287 | 1,287 | 1,574 |
| Yucaipa, CA | 54,358 | 346 | 1,301 | 1,647 |
| Highland, CA | 55,339 | 727 | 1,322 | 2,049 |
| Running Springs, CA | 4,410 | 422 | 1,978 | 2,401 |
| Moreno Valley, CA | 208,751 | 370 | 2,041 | 2,410 |
| Loma Linda, CA | 24,239 | 280 | 2,185 | 2,465 |
| San Bernardino, CA | 216,784 | 1,186 | 2,955 | 4,141 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Tacoma, WA | 215,766 | 1,610 | 8,540 | 10,149 |
| Des Moines, IA | 215,408 | 428 | 1,993 | 2,421 |
| Spring Valley, NV | 218,697 | 626 | 3,282 | 3,908 |
| Enterprise, NV | 214,591 | 418 | 2,191 | 2,609 |
| Modesto, CA | 214,485 | 762 | 2,403 | 3,165 |
| San Bernardino, CA | 216,784 | 1,186 | 2,955 | 4,141 |
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