Nevada County Crime & Safety

Nevada County, California

Safety Score

35/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1500.1

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

484.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1015.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

35/100

Higher = safer

State avg 20/100

State Safety Rank

of 58 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Nevada County, California

Nevada County Achieves Elite Safety Score

Nevada County is exceptionally safe, with a safety score of 97.6. The total crime rate of 1,500.1 per 100k is nearly 900 points lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Safety Leader in California

Nevada County significantly outshines the California average safety score of 96.3. Its total crime rate is also roughly 36% lower than the state average of 2,355.2.

The Gold Standard for Safety nearby

Compared to adjacent Sierra foothill counties, Nevada County remains a leader in public safety metrics. Its property crime rate of 1,015.4 is about half of the national average, showcasing its peaceful nature.

Violent Crime Remains a Small Factor

The violent crime rate of 484.7 is slightly above the national average of 369.8, but property crime is very low at 1,015.4. This means residents are much less likely to experience theft than in other parts of California.

Maintaining a Secure Haven

Low property crime should not lead to complacency; perimeter security is still recommended. Installing high-quality outdoor cameras helps keep Nevada County’s crime rates among the lowest in the state.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Nevada County, CA?

Nevada County has a total crime rate of 1500.1 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (484.7 per 100K) and property crimes (1015.4 per 100K).

Is Nevada County, CA safe?

Nevada County has a safety score of 35/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #6 out of 58 counties in California for safety (1 = safest).

How does Nevada County crime compare to the California average?

Nevada County significantly outshines the California average safety score of 96.3. Its total crime rate is also roughly 36% lower than the state average of 2,355.2.

What types of crime are most common in Nevada County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Nevada County?

Crime data for Nevada 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.

Why is Nevada County safer than the California average?

Nevada County has a safety score of 35/100, which is above the California average of 20/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.