Sierra County Crime & Safety

Sierra County, California

Safety Score

50/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1131.7

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

342.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

788.8

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

50/100

Higher = safer

State avg 20/100

State Safety Rank

of 58 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Sierra County, California

Rural Safety in Sierra County

Sierra County reports a total crime rate of 1,131.7 per 100K, well below the national average of 2,385.5. This rural landscape earns a high safety score of 98.2 out of 100.

Exceeding State Safety Norms

The county significantly outperforms the California average safety score of 96.3. With only two reporting agencies, the data reflects a tight-knit and secure community with minimal incidents.

A Quiet Alternative to Neighbors

Sierra is notably safer than more populated neighbors like Nevada County. Its property crime rate of 788.8 is a fraction of the California average of 2,355.2.

Small Population, Small Numbers

Violent crime sits at 342.9 per 100K, which is relatively close to the national average. However, the low property crime rate of 788.8 keeps the overall crime volume very low.

Remote Security for Rural Living

In isolated areas, distance from neighbors makes remote monitoring essential. Smart doorbells and driveway sensors provide critical alerts for properties where response times may be longer.

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ADT Security Systems

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Sierra County, CA?

Sierra County has a total crime rate of 1131.7 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (342.9 per 100K) and property crimes (788.8 per 100K).

Is Sierra County, CA safe?

Sierra County has a safety score of 50/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #4 out of 58 counties in California for safety (1 = safest).

How does Sierra County crime compare to the California average?

The county significantly outperforms the California average safety score of 96.3. With only two reporting agencies, the data reflects a tight-knit and secure community with minimal incidents.

What types of crime are most common in Sierra County?

Violent crime sits at 342.9 per 100K, which is relatively close to the national average. However, the low property crime rate of 788.8 keeps the overall crime volume very low.

How is crime data measured and reported for Sierra County?

Crime data for Sierra 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 Sierra County safer than the California average?

Sierra County has a safety score of 50/100, 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.