Arcata, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Arcata, CA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 16% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 283 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 42 chance for property crime. Arcata has lower crime than 46% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Arcata has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 100% of the city's 16 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Aldergrove is one of the safest areas, while Arcata Heights / Northtown has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Arcata is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Arcata are Aldergrove, Sunny Brae, East Arcata / Bay View, Manila, and Greenview / Windsong. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Arcata include Arcata Heights / Northtown, Downtown / Uniontown, Samoa Boulevard, Bayside, and Valley West. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Arcata is 353.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 7% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 283 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.9 per 100K (18% above average); aggravated assault at 213.4 per 100K (20% below average); robbery at 94.8 per 100K (28% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Arcata is 2,408.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 31% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 42 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 280.4 per 100K (4% above average); larceny/theft at 1,753.1 per 100K (25% above average); vehicle theft at 375.4 per 100K (18% above average).

Arcata's overall crime rate is 16% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is robbery (28% above average), while assault is 20% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Arcata has lower crime than 46% of them.

Visitors to Arcata should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 31% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Aldergrove, Sunny Brae, East Arcata / Bay View.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Arcata's crime rate is 16% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Arcata, with an estimated rate of 1,753.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 25% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,409 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (353 per 100K) in Arcata, which is consistent with national trends.