Kern County Crime & Safety

Kern County, California

Safety Score

3/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

4050.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

739.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

3310.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

3/100

Higher = safer

State avg 20/100

State Safety Rank

#56

of 58 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Kern County, California

Kern County Reports High Incident Rates

Kern County faces challenges with a safety score of 93.6. At 4,050.8 crimes per 100,000 people, the county's rate sits at nearly double the national average of 2,385.5.

Kern Trails California Safety Average

This score trails the California state average of 96.3, indicating a higher frequency of incidents than most counties. Statistics are monitored by 22 different reporting agencies.

Safety Disparities in the Region

Kern’s crime rate of 4,050.8 is significantly higher than nearby Kings County, which reports just 1,824.1. This disparity highlights local variations in public safety across the Central Valley.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

Property crime dominates the figures at 3,310.9 per 100,000, while violent crime remains high at 739.9. These numbers represent a substantial impact on the local community's daily life.

Take Action to Secure Your Home

Local households can improve security by installing motion-sensing lights and reinforced locks. Engaging in neighborhood watch programs helps mitigate the risk of property-related offenses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Kern County, CA?

Kern County has a total crime rate of 4050.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (739.9 per 100K) and property crimes (3310.9 per 100K).

Is Kern County, CA safe?

Kern County has a safety score of 3/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #56 out of 58 counties in California for safety (1 = safest).

How does Kern County crime compare to the California average?

This score trails the California state average of 96.3, indicating a higher frequency of incidents than most counties. Statistics are monitored by 22 different reporting agencies.

What types of crime are most common in Kern County?

Property crime dominates the figures at 3,310.9 per 100,000, while violent crime remains high at 739.9. These numbers represent a substantial impact on the local community's daily life.

How is crime data measured and reported for Kern County?

Crime data for Kern County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Kern County?

Kern County has a safety score of 3/100, which is below the California average of 20/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.