Clearlake, CA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Clearlake, CA

Is Clearlake, CA safe?

Clearlake earns an overall crime grade of C for 2026, which places it in a moderate-risk category compared to other California cities of similar size. With a population of roughly 15,329 and a population density of 584 residents per square mile, the city is relatively spread out, which affects how crime is distributed across neighborhoods. The economic backdrop matters here: Clearlake's unemployment rate of 19.7% and a poverty rate of 29.4% are both significantly above state averages, and research consistently links economic hardship to elevated property crime rates. That said, many residents near the lakeside corridors and quieter residential pockets report a stable day-to-day experience. Using the Clearlake crime map to check activity in your specific area before making decisions about where to walk, park, or rent is the most data-driven approach to staying safe.

What is the crime rate in Clearlake, CA?

Clearlake's overall crime profile earns a C grade in 2026. Property crime is the dominant category driving that rating — incidents like vehicle break-ins, theft, and burglary are more frequently reported than violent offenses. The city's median household income of just $36,339 and a median home value of $120,233 reflect the economic pressures that correlate with higher property crime nationally. Violent crime does occur but is less prevalent relative to the property crime share. Compared to larger California metros, Clearlake's raw incident counts are smaller simply due to its modest population, but on a per-capita basis the rates are elevated enough to warrant the C grade. Checking the interactive crime map for recent 30- and 90-day windows gives the clearest picture of current trends.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Clearlake?

Clearlake is divided into several distinct residential zones, and crime activity is not evenly distributed across them. Areas closer to Lakeshore Drive and the waterfront tend to benefit from higher foot traffic, more community visibility, and active neighborhood engagement — factors that research shows deter opportunistic property crime. Neighborhoods further from commercial corridors and with stronger owner-occupancy rates (supported by the city's median rent of $914) also tend to show lower incident concentrations on the crime map. By contrast, zones with higher concentrations of vacant properties or proximity to high-traffic retail corridors typically show more theft and vandalism reports. The crime map's heat-map layer is the most reliable way to compare neighborhood-level risk in real time, since conditions can shift month to month.

How does Clearlake's crime compare to other California cities?

A C grade means Clearlake sits in the middle tier — neither among California's safest small cities nor its most dangerous. The key differentiator is socioeconomic context: with unemployment at 19.7% (compared to a California average closer to 5%), Clearlake faces structural challenges that many higher-graded cities do not. Cities with comparable populations but lower poverty rates — Clearlake's stands at 29.4% — consistently outperform on both property and violent crime metrics. On the positive side, Clearlake's small geographic footprint and tight-knit community culture mean that local law enforcement can maintain relatively high familiarity with active problem areas, and community policing efforts have targeted the drug-related offenses that contribute to the overall grade.

Is Clearlake a good place to live given its crime grade?

For the right buyer or renter, yes — with clear-eyed expectations. The median home value of $120,233 makes Clearlake one of the most affordable lakeside communities in Northern California, and the outdoor lifestyle centered on Clear Lake is genuinely exceptional. The C crime grade means risk is real but manageable with standard precautions: securing vehicles, using motion-sensor lighting, and staying connected to neighborhood watch networks. The economic indicators — a 29.4% poverty rate and 19.7% unemployment rate — are the underlying factors most likely to influence whether the grade improves or declines in coming years. Prospective residents should cross-reference the crime map for the specific blocks they are considering, since a city-wide C grade can mask meaningful variation between a quieter residential street and a higher-activity commercial zone.

What types of crime are most common in Clearlake?

Property crime dominates Clearlake's incident reports and is the primary driver of the city's C overall grade. Theft — including shoplifting, vehicle theft, and items stolen from cars — represents the largest share of reported incidents. Burglary and vandalism follow, with vandalism spikes often noted during warmer months when outdoor activity increases. Drug-related offenses are a recurring category, reflecting both the city's economic stress (median household income of $36,339) and broader regional trends in Lake County. Violent crime, while present, accounts for a smaller proportion of total incidents than property crime. The crime map allows you to filter by category, so you can isolate, for example, only assault reports or only theft incidents within a chosen radius — a useful feature for renters evaluating a specific block or street.