Westminster, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Westminster, CA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Westminster crime rate is 45% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Westminster, there were 355 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 397 per 100,000 individuals, 7.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, Westminster recorded 2660 property crimes, amounting to 2972 per 100,000 residents, 52.1% higher than the U.S. average.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Westminster has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 397 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

With a total of 458 vehicle thefts last year, Westminster has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 512 per 100,000 people. This lands Westminster in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 196.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Westminster?

AreaVibes surveyed 25 local residents in Westminster to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 32% of people answered that there was very little crime in Westminster and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 68% 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 Westminster a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Westminster 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. Westminster has a total crime rate that is 45% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 8.26 daily crimes (0.97 violent daily crimes and 7.29 daily property crimes) in Westminster.

Has Crime in Westminster Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Westminster. 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 Westminster has increased by 7.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 37.1%, while property crime has increased by 4.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Westminster.

Potential Causes for Crime in Westminster

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Westminster crime rate. The poverty level in Westminster is 15.4%, while the national average is 15.1%.

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Westminster crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Westminster has an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to a 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 Westminster, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.32 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.

Westminster crime map