Located in the heart of Los Angeles County and close to downtown, Compton has been a fixture of music and California culture for decades. Despite its reputation as a high crime area, is it really the case?
Is Compton Dangerous?
Compton is known to be a fairly dangerous area, with crime rates exceeding the national average. The city has a population of 97,740, and its crime rate stands at 3,533 per 100,000 people, which is 37% higher than the average crime rate in California and 51% higher than the national average. In the 1990s, Compton witnessed a significant spike in crime rates, particularly in violent crimes associated with gang activity. Though crime rates have reduced somewhat in recent years, Compton still ranks among the most dangerous cities in California. Therefore, caution is advised when visiting or residing in this area.
Compton vs. Other Los Angeles County Cities
Compton vs. Inglewood
Inglewood, a city in Los Angeles County, is often linked with a high crime rate. In comparison to Compton, which shares a border with Inglewood, both cities are frequently compared. Inglewood has a total population of 111,012, and its overall crime rate is 14% higher than the California average. While Inglewood is not usually viewed as a safe place to reside, Compton’s crime rate is undoubtedly higher.
Compton vs. Downey
With its reputation as an affordable and secure option, Downey is a popular choice among working-class individuals. Situated northeast of Compton, the city has a population of 113,223 and boasts a total crime rate that is 14% lower than the California average. While Downey residents generally feel safe, property crimes like car theft and burglary are still prevalent. Nonetheless, when compared to its neighboring areas, Downey remains a significantly safer choice.
Compton vs. Torrance
Torrance is a sought-after neighborhood located directly on the beach, and it still manages to be relatively affordable by Los Angeles standards. In terms of safety, Torrance outshines Compton with a crime rate that is 13% lower than the California average. While Torrance has historically been considered a working-class area, it is now drawing in many professionals.
Compton vs. East Los Angeles
The East Los Angeles community is commonly known as a working-class to low-income neighborhood. Unfortunately, this area is slightly more dangerous than Compton, with a crime rate that is 58% above the national average. Notably, East Los Angeles has a high incidence of property and violent crimes, along with gang activity in specific regions.
Compton vs. Other US Cities
Compton vs. New Orleans
Louisiana’s biggest city, New Orleans, is known for being one of the most violent cities in the United States. Records show that in 2022, there were 280 homicides and nearly 500 shootings in the city. Shockingly, New Orleans has a crime rate that is 150% higher than the national average, making it a considerably more dangerous place to live compared to Compton, even when population differences are taken into account.
Compton vs. Detroit
When it comes to danger, Detroit and Compton are both cities that come to mind. But which one is more perilous? Detroit, with a population of 683,443, has a crime rate of 5,509 per 100,000 people, which is 135% higher than the national average. In 2022 alone, the city witnessed 309 homicides and almost 10,558 aggravated assault cases. Even after comparison, Detroit still seems to be a more hazardous place to reside than Compton.
Compton vs. St. Louis
In recent years, crime rates in St. Louis have dramatically increased, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. With a population of approximately 316,000, St. Louis has a total crime rate of 6,948 per 100,000 people, which is 196% higher than the national average. Shockingly, in 2022, St. Louis recorded 363 homicides. Although Compton is also known for its violent incidents, its crime rate is still lower than that of St. Louis.
Compton vs. Oakland
Oakland, situated in Northern California, is considered amongst the most perilous cities in the state and the entire country. Its population of approximately 420,000 experiences a crime rate that is 175% higher than the national average and 150% higher than the California average. Shockingly, the murder rate in several of Oakland’s neighborhoods has been progressively increasing, with 113 recorded homicides in 2022. Even though Compton is infamous for its high crime rates, Oakland still has the highest crime rates statistically.
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