| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Taft/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 346 | n/a (estimate) | 3,989 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 11.5 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 11 | n/a | 126.8 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 56 | n/a | 645.6 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 68 | n/a (estimate) | 784 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 30 | n/a | 345.9 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 201 | n/a | 2,317.3 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 47 | n/a | 541.8 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 278 | n/a (estimate) | 3,205 | 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 Taft is 71.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 68 violent crimes reported in Taft, equivalent to 784 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 112%. Additionally, Taft recorded 278 property crimes, amounting to 3205 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 64%.
Taft ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 784 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Taft stand at 1 in every 128 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
In the latest reported crime year, Taft recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
With a total of 47 vehicle thefts last year, Taft has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 542 per 100,000 people. This lands Taft in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 185.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Taft. Based on the results of the surveys (6 responses), 33% of people felt that there was very little crime in Taft and felt safe walking alone at night. While 67% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Taft 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. Taft has a total crime rate that is 72% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.95 daily crimes (0.19 violent daily crimes and 0.76 daily property crimes) in Taft.
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 Taft 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 Taft has increased by 29.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 44.7% and property crime has increased by 26.4%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Taft crime rates. For instance, in Taft, the population density stands at 601.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Taft, 60.8% 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.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Taft, the average monthly rent stands at $783, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Taft | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 22 | 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 |
| Maricopa, CA | 2,157 | 281 | 1,315 | 1,596 |
| South Taft, CA | 2,120 | 281 | 1,315 | 1,596 |
| Taft Heights, CA | 1,509 | 305 | 1,427 | 1,731 |
| Ford City, CA | 4,909 | 519 | 2,434 | 2,954 |
| Valley Acres, CA | 641 | 714 | 3,347 | 4,061 |
| Derby Acres, CA | 288 | 754 | 3,533 | 4,286 |
| Fellows, CA | 54 | 777 | 3,642 | 4,419 |
| Taft, CA | 9,189 | 784 | 3,205 | 3,989 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lenoir City, TN | 9,191 | 387 | 2,397 | 2,784 |
| Lancaster, SC | 9,187 | 533 | 2,506 | 3,039 |
| Fruitland Park, FL | 9,185 | 224 | 1,354 | 1,578 |
| Belgrade, MT | 9,184 | 511 | 1,708 | 2,219 |
| Valley, AL | 9,195 | 516 | 3,666 | 4,181 |
| Taft, CA | 9,189 | 784 | 3,205 | 3,989 |
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