| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Walnut Creek/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,187 | n/a (estimate) | 3,178 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 17 | n/a | 24.7 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 59 | n/a | 85.7 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 117 | n/a | 170.0 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 193 | n/a (estimate) | 280 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 268 | n/a | 389.5 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,553 | n/a | 2,257.0 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 173 | n/a | 251.4 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,994 | n/a (estimate) | 2,898 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
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 Walnut Creek crime rate is higher than the national average by 50%. Specifically, there were 193 violent crimes in Walnut Creek, equivalent to 280 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 21.9%. Furthermore, Walnut Creek recorded 1994 property crimes, amounting to 2898 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 64.7%.
Walnut Creek showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
What do the local residents think about crime in Walnut Creek? Well, based on a recent survey of 45 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 67% of Walnut Creek residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 33% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Walnut Creek a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Walnut Creek crime rate is 50% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 5.99 crimes per day - 0.53 violent crimes and 5.46 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Walnut Creek. 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 Walnut Creek has increased by 1.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 112.1%, while property crime has increased by 3.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Walnut Creek.
In Walnut Creek, the cost of living is 100.36% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In Walnut Creek, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.67 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
In Walnut Creek, the average rental rates are $3,335 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Walnut Creek | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 110 | 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 |
| Shell Ridge, CA | 1,112 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Alhambra Valley, CA | 1,079 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Castle Hill, CA | 1,189 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| San Miguel, CA | 3,337 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| East Richmond Heights, CA | 3,586 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Reliez Valley, CA | 3,394 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Moraga, CA | 17,346 | 91 | 487 | 578 |
| Walnut Creek, CA | 72,134 | 280 | 2,898 | 3,178 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Passaic, NJ | 72,139 | 719 | 1,837 | 2,557 |
| North Richland Hills, TX | 72,121 | 223 | 2,232 | 2,455 |
| St. Charles, MO | 72,409 | 134 | 887 | 1,022 |
| Marysville, WA | 71,855 | 234 | 1,953 | 2,187 |
| Wilmington, DE | 72,823 | 1,127 | 3,159 | 4,286 |
| Walnut Creek, CA | 72,134 | 280 | 2,898 | 3,178 |
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