| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Vista/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,832 | n/a (estimate) | 1,854 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 16 | n/a | 16.2 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 81 | n/a | 82.0 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 280 | n/a | 283.4 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 378 | n/a (estimate) | 383 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 289 | n/a | 292.5 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 852 | n/a | 862.3 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 313 | n/a | 316.8 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,454 | n/a (estimate) | 1,472 | 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 Vista is 20.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 378 violent crimes reported in Vista, equivalent to 383 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 3.5%. Additionally, Vista recorded 1454 property crimes, amounting to 1472 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 24.7%.
When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Vista maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 383 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 370. This alignment suggests that Vista shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Vista. Based on the results of the surveys (51 responses), 39% of people felt that there was very little crime in Vista and felt safe walking alone at night. While 61% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Vista 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, Vista has an overall crime rate that is 20% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 5.02 daily occurrences, comprising 1.04 violent crimes and 3.98 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Vista as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Vista has increased by 18.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Vista is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 9.6%, while property crime has increased by 20.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Vista.
In Vista, the cost of living is 36.71% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Vista, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
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 Vista stands at $503,500, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
| Item | Vista | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 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 |
| Fairbanks Ranch, CA | 2,929 | 78 | 368 | 446 |
| Rancho Santa Fe, CA | 2,657 | 78 | 368 | 446 |
| Hidden Meadows, CA | 3,675 | 164 | 770 | 934 |
| Bonsall, CA | 4,194 | 168 | 789 | 958 |
| Poway, CA | 49,780 | 173 | 956 | 1,129 |
| Pala, CA | 1,094 | 215 | 1,006 | 1,221 |
| San Marcos, CA | 96,219 | 217 | 1,061 | 1,278 |
| Vista, CA | 100,659 | 383 | 1,472 | 1,854 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 100,633 | 638 | 2,882 | 3,520 |
| San Angelo, TX | 100,509 | 337 | 2,823 | 3,160 |
| Vacaville, CA | 99,958 | 314 | 1,855 | 2,169 |
| Kenosha, WI | 99,767 | 398 | 1,091 | 1,488 |
| Renton, WA | 101,871 | 369 | 4,628 | 4,997 |
| Vista, CA | 100,659 | 383 | 1,472 | 1,854 |
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