Compton, a city located in southern California, has gained notoriety for its history of gang violence, poverty, and crime. The question that often arises is whether Compton remains a dangerous place today, and how it compares to other cities across the United States. In this blog post, we will delve into the facts and statistics concerning Compton’s safety, and crime rates, and identify some of the most notorious streets within the city.
Is Compton, California Dangerous Place to Live?
Compton, California has long been a subject of curiosity and concern when it comes to safety. It’s a city that has been portrayed in various ways in pop culture, from music to movies, but what does the data tell us about its safety? According to NeighborhoodScout, a prominent source for crime statistics, Compton’s crime rate is a matter of serious concern, with a rate of 38 crimes per one thousand residents, placing it among the most dangerous communities in America.
When considering both violent and property crimes, the chances of becoming a victim in Compton are as high as one in 26. This is a startling statistic that raises eyebrows and demands a closer look at the safety of this California city.
It’s essential to put these figures into perspective. In California, where Compton is located, over 92% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Compton. This statistic alone should make one pause and ponder about the state of safety in the city. Furthermore, when compared to communities with similar population sizes, Compton’s crime rate stands out as significantly higher than most.
Now, let’s delve into the specifics of the types of crimes that contribute to Compton’s high crime rate. Violent crimes, which include offenses like rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, are a notable concern. According to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data, the chances of becoming a victim of one of these violent crimes in Compton are one in 85, a sobering statistic by any measure.
Property crimes are another area of concern, with burglary, larceny over fifty dollars, motor vehicle theft, and arson being the focus of analysis. In Compton, the odds of becoming a victim of a property crime are one in 38, resulting in a rate of 26 crimes per one thousand residents. This sheds light on the significant prevalence of property-related offenses in the area.
One particularly concerning aspect highlighted by the data is the rate of motor vehicle theft in Compton. NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data shows that Compton has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation. Residents face a staggering one in 99 chance of having their car stolen, a statistic that raises serious questions about vehicle safety in the city.
Compton’s Crime Rates
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, in 2019, Compton reported a total of 3,533 crimes. Among these, 1,104 were classified as violent crimes, and 2,429 were categorized as property crimes. This staggering number translates to a crime rate of 3,533 per 100,000 people, which is 37% higher than the California state average and 51% higher than the national average.
The violent crime rate in Compton stood at 1,142 per 100,000 people, which is more than three times the national average of 367 per 100,000 people. This category includes heinous offenses like homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Shockingly, Compton reported 18 homicides in 2019, resulting in a homicide rate of 18.6 per 100,000 people, again more than three times the national average of 5 per 100,000 people.
Property crimes were also alarmingly prevalent in Compton, with a rate of 2,428 per 100,000 people, slightly surpassing the national average of 2,110 per 100,000 people. Property crimes encompass burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Compton recorded 334 burglaries, 1,285 larceny-thefts, and 727 motor vehicle thefts in 2019.
Comparing Compton to cities of similar population sizes in the United States, it ranks as the 14th most dangerous city in terms of violent crime rates. Some cities with similar or higher violent crime rates include Memphis, Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Cleveland, St. Louis, and New Orleans.
Compton’s Most Dangerous Streets
Compton is marked by streets notorious for their high crime rates and gang activity. Here are some of the most dangerous streets in Compton that you should be cautious of:
- Compton Boulevard: This street is known for its potholes and heavy traffic. It’s narrow and poses visibility challenges around corners, leading to accidents and shootings. Violent crime and homicide rates are high here.
- Long Beach Boulevard: This run-down street has a sparse population and experiences high crime and violence, including fatal accidents and shootings. It’s also notorious for drug activity.
- Alameda Street: This street is marked by gang activity and minimal police presence, resulting in a high rate of shootings and homicides. In 2015, it had the highest number of shootings in the city with 21 incidents.
- Manchester Boulevard: Poor lighting and the absence of sidewalks characterize this street, which has a high rate of crime and violence, including stabbings and shootings. It’s a hotspot for gang activity.
- Atlantic Avenue: Abandoned buildings and poor lighting contribute to a high rate of crime and violence on this street, with numerous shootings and other violent crimes.
- Rosecrans Avenue: This bustling and noisy street has a high rate of crime and violence, including robberies and shootings. It’s also known for prostitution activity.
- Desert Avenue: Isolation and darkness make this street particularly dangerous, with a high rate of crime and violence, including burglaries and shootings. It’s also known for drug activity.
In summary, Compton is a city that grapples with numerous challenges and problems. It maintains a high rate of crime and violence, making it a place of concern for both residents and visitors. While it is crucial to be aware of the risks and dangers that Compton presents, it’s also essential to acknowledge its positive aspects, including its rich culture and history that have influenced music, art, sports, and politics.
For those planning to visit or reside in Compton, it’s paramount to exercise caution and respect for the people and the environment. While the city faces issues, it also carries the potential to offer unique and positive experiences. Understanding Compton’s complexities is a critical step toward fostering a safer and more vibrant community.