| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Santa Clara/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,965 | n/a (estimate) | 3,136 | 2,834 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 21 | n/a | 16.6 | 36.4 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 88 | n/a | 69.6 | 128.3 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 155 | n/a | 122.6 | 338.6 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 264 | n/a (estimate) | 209 | 508 | 364 |
| Burglary | 501 | n/a | 396.2 | 347.4 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 2,603 | n/a | 2,058.5 | 1,466.0 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 597 | n/a | 472.1 | 512.2 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 3,701 | n/a (estimate) | 2,927 | 2,326 | 1,917 |
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 Santa Clara is 68.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 396 violent crimes reported in Santa Clara, equivalent to 312 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 15.6%. Additionally, Santa Clara recorded 4564 property crimes, amounting to 3597 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 84.1%.
Every year, one in 28 people fall victim to a property crime in Santa Clara - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3597 per 100,000 people, Santa Clara has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Santa Clara ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 524 vehicle thefts, amounting to 413 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Santa Clara 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 243.
AreaVibes surveyed 39 local residents in Santa Clara to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 72% of people answered that there was very little crime in Santa Clara and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 28% 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.
Is Santa Clara 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, Santa Clara has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 68%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 13.59 daily incidents, encompassing 1.08 violent crimes and 12.5 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Santa Clara as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Santa Clara. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Santa Clara has increased by 41.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 92.2%, while property crime has increased by 38.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Santa Clara.
Santa Clara has a poverty rate that stands at 7.1, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Santa Clara crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Santa Clara, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
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 Santa Clara, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.68 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 | Santa Clara | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 201 | 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 |
| Ladera, CA | 1,385 | 71 | 326 | 398 |
| Fruitdale, CA | 1,184 | 71 | 326 | 398 |
| Lexington Hills, CA | 2,656 | 80 | 365 | 445 |
| Loyola, CA | 3,404 | 97 | 443 | 540 |
| West Menlo Park, CA | 3,720 | 97 | 443 | 540 |
| Cambrian Park, CA | 3,015 | 97 | 443 | 540 |
| Saratoga, CA | 31,084 | 61 | 616 | 677 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 126,723 | 209 | 2,927 | 3,136 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lafayette, LA | 126,674 | 818 | 4,603 | 5,421 |
| Topeka, KS | 125,819 | 966 | 4,087 | 5,053 |
| Pearland, TX | 125,817 | 106 | 1,669 | 1,775 |
| Thousand Oaks, CA | 127,648 | 109 | 1,117 | 1,226 |
| Simi Valley, CA | 125,768 | 122 | 970 | 1,091 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 126,723 | 209 | 2,927 | 3,136 |
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