| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Westminster/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,583 | n/a (estimate) | 2,934 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 3.4 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 26 | n/a | 29.5 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 100 | n/a | 113.6 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 255 | n/a | 289.7 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 384 | n/a (estimate) | 436 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 321 | n/a | 364.7 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,682 | n/a | 1,910.8 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 196 | n/a | 222.7 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,199 | n/a (estimate) | 2,498 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
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 Westminster is 38.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 384 violent crimes reported in Westminster, equivalent to 436 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 21.5%. Additionally, Westminster recorded 2199 property crimes, amounting to 2498 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 41.9%.
What do the local residents think about crime in Westminster? Well, based on a recent survey of 25 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 32% of Westminster residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 68% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Westminster, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Westminster presents a total crime rate that is 38% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Westminster experiences an average of 7.08 daily crimes, comprising 1.05 violent incidents and 6.02 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
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 decreased by 8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 48.3%, while property crime has decreased by 13.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Westminster.
Westminster reports an unemployment rate of 4.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Westminster crime rates.
In Westminster, the cost of living is 72.62% 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 Westminster, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.32 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.
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 | Westminster | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 121 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 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 |
| Villa Park, CA | 6,039 | 36 | 713 | 749 |
| La Habra Heights, CA | 5,470 | 171 | 683 | 853 |
| Yorba Linda, CA | 70,241 | 93 | 765 | 858 |
| Rossmoor, CA | 12,384 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| North Tustin, CA | 26,001 | 210 | 898 | 1,108 |
| Laguna Beach, CA | 23,724 | 167 | 950 | 1,117 |
| Irvine, CA | 280,132 | 84 | 1,390 | 1,474 |
| Westminster, CA | 93,920 | 436 | 2,498 | 2,934 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Deltona, FL | 93,968 | 329 | 1,748 | 2,076 |
| Suffolk, VA | 93,841 | 371 | 1,571 | 1,942 |
| Santa Monica, CA | 93,745 | 778 | 4,790 | 5,568 |
| San Leandro, CA | 93,731 | 549 | 3,923 | 4,471 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 94,185 | 648 | 1,810 | 2,458 |
| Westminster, CA | 93,920 | 436 | 2,498 | 2,934 |
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