Understanding the safety of a community is of utmost importance, whether you are considering relocation, permanent or temporary residence, work, or even just a visit. Here, we will delve deep into the crime data of La Mesa, shedding light on the city’s crime rate and providing valuable insights to assist you in making informed decisions.
La Mesa, like any other city in California, experiences various types of criminal activities. In order to gain a better understanding of the city’s crime landscape, it is helpful to categorize the offenses into three main categories: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.
Total number of crimes in La Mesa, CA. This information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.
Is La Mesa Safe? Crimes Breakdown
| Violent | Property | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 166 | 1,436 | 348 |
| Rate per 1000 | 2.77 | 23.95 | 5.8 |
Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 41 different types of crimes recorded in La Mesa. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.
La Mesa’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
La Mesa has a lower violent crime rate compared to both California and the national average. In La Mesa, the rate of violent crimes is 2.77 incidents per 1000 residents, while in California it is 60.57 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: La Mesa vs. National Average
Examining the violent crime rates in La Mesa compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in La Mesa in relation to the broader national landscape.
La Mesa’s Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 2 | 7 | 103 | 42 | 12 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.03 | 0.12 | 1.72 | 0.7 | 0.2 |
| Population | 59,968 | ||||
United States Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 23,195 | 145,750 | 939,092 | 207,616 | 36,890 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.07 | 0.44 | 2.83 | 0.63 | 0.11 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | ||||
Insights into Violent Crimes in La Mesa
- La Mesa’s murder crime rate is 0.03, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.07 by 57%.
- On the other hand, the rape crime rate is 0.12, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.44 by 73%.
- The assault crime rate of the city stands at 1.72, which is lower than the national average of 2.83 by 39%.
- Robbery is a concern in La Mesa, with a crime rate of 0.7, which is higher than the national average of 0.63 by 11%.
- The city’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.2, which is higher than the national average of 0.11 by 82%.
La Mesa’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
La Mesa has a lower property crime rate compared to California, but higher than the national average. In La Mesa, the rate of property crimes is 23.95 incidents per 1000 residents, while in California it is 24.17 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Property Crime Rates: La Mesa vs. National Average
Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in La Mesa compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.
La Mesa’s Property Crime Rate Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 183 | 15 | 202 | 0 | 778 | 194 | 64 |
| Rate per 1000 | 3.05 | 0.25 | 3.37 | 0 | 12.97 | 3.24 | 1.07 |
| Population | 59,968 | ||||||
United States Property Crimes Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 898,487 | 27,917 | 1,307,229 | 12,270 | 4,630,773 | 888,618 | 187,853 |
| Rate per 1000 | 2.72 | 0.08 | 3.94 | 0.04 | 13.95 | 2.68 | 0.87 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | ||||||
Insights into Property Crimes in La Mesa
- La Mesa experiences a burglary crime rate of 3.05, which is higher than the national average of 2.72 by 12%.
- The arson crime rate is 0.25, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.08 by 213%.
- Vandalism is not a significant concern in La Mesa, with a crime rate of 3.37, which is lower than the national average of 3.94 by 14%.
- There are no blackmail crimes reported.
- Theft is not an area of focus, with a crime rate of 12.97 in La Mesa, which is lower than the national average of 13.95 by 7%.
- On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the city has a rate of 3.24, which is higher than the national average of 2.68 by 21%.
- La Mesa faces a higher rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 1.07, which is 23% higher than the national average of 0.87.
La Mesa’s Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 296 | 50 | 0 | 2 |
| Rate per 1000 | 4.94 | 0.83 | 0 | 0.03 |
| Population | 59,968 | |||
United States Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 1,290,858 | 267,955 | 11,565 | 16,497 |
| Rate per 1000 | 3.89 | 0.81 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | |||
Insights into Other Crimes in La Mesa
- Drug offenses are a concern in La Mesa, with a rate of 4.94, which is higher than the national average of 3.89 by 27%.
- Weapon law violations are another area of focus. The city’s weapon law violations rate is 0.83, which is higher than the national average of 0.81 by 2%.
Conclusion
In La Mesa, the city’s violent crime landscape presents challenges, particularly with kidnapping rates exceeding the national average. Property crimes such as burglary, arson, vehicle theft, and identity theft also surpass national averages, indicating areas needing attention.
Explore cities like Arvada, CO, which have a similar violent crime rate to La Mesa. Also, explore places with a similar property crime rate like San Diego, CA.