Valley West Neighborhood, Arcata
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Arcata
Safety at a Glance
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in Arcata
Is Valley West Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Valley West in Arcata, CA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 138, which is 38% above the national average of 100. Valley West is safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Arcata.
Compared to the Arcata average (crime index 101), Valley West is 37% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 172, 72% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 125).
Valley West Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Arcata city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
154 | +54% | High | |
|
Assault
|
141 | +41% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
172 | +72% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
144 | +44% | Moderate | |
How Valley West Compares
Crime index by category: Valley West vs Arcata average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Valley West Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Valley West Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Valley West, Arcata?
Valley West in Arcata, CA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 138, which is 38% above the national average. Compared to the Arcata average, crime in Valley West is 37% higher. Valley West is safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Arcata.
Is Valley West a safe neighborhood in Arcata?
Valley West is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Arcata, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 172), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 125).
How does Valley West compare to the rest of Arcata?
Valley West's overall crime index is 138, compared to the Arcata average of 101. This means crime in Valley West is 37% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 138, and for property crime it is 154. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Valley West?
The most prevalent crime type in Valley West is Burglary, with a crime index of 172 (72% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Valley West?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Aldergrove, Westwood / Vasside, Curtis Heights / Woodland Heights and California Heights. These areas are close to Valley West and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Valley West?
Valley West has a population of approximately 918. The median household income is $50,249. The median home value is $345,313. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Valley West crime compare to the national average?
Valley West's overall crime rate is 38% above the national average (index 138 vs 100). Within Arcata, it is safer than 25% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.