Cottonwood Neighborhood, Bakersfield

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safer than 9% of neighborhoods in Bakersfield

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate

Low 104 / 300 High

Violent Crime 101

1% above national avg

Property Crime 131

31% above national avg

City Ranking

safer than other

Bakersfield neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Bakersfield

Is Cottonwood Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Cottonwood in Bakersfield, CA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 104, which is 4% above the national average of 100. Cottonwood is safer than 9% of neighborhoods in Bakersfield.

Compared to the Bakersfield average (crime index 76), Cottonwood is 28% higher in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 147, 47% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 75). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk

Vehicle Theft · Index 147 (47% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Assault · Index 75 (25% below avg)

Cottonwood Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Bakersfield city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Bakersfield	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	104	+4%	+16%	Moderate
Assault	75	-25%	+1%	Low
Robbery	141	+41%	+36%	Moderate
Rape	83	-17%	N/A	Average
Property Crime
Burglary	121	+21%	+35%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	124	+24%	+29%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	147	+47%	+55%	Moderate

How Cottonwood Compares

Crime index by category: Cottonwood vs Bakersfield average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Cottonwood Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Cottonwood Demographics & Context

Population

2,237

Median Income

$25,392

Home Value

$189,809

Median Age

Pop. Density

3,355/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 1.5%

Graduate Degree 0.2%

Housing

34%

66%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 34.2%

Black 17.2%

Hispanic 82.5%

Asian 0.8%

Nearby Neighborhoods

B+

A-

Tyner Homes Index: 92

B+

Oleander / Sunset Index: 159

C+

East Bakersfield Index: 132

Old Town Kern Index: 124

B+

Cottonwood Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Bakersfield Crime Statistics

View all Bakersfield neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Cottonwood, Bakersfield?

Cottonwood in Bakersfield, CA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 104, which is 4% above the national average. Compared to the Bakersfield average, crime in Cottonwood is 28% higher. Cottonwood is safer than 9% of neighborhoods in Bakersfield.

Is Cottonwood a safe neighborhood in Bakersfield?

Cottonwood is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Bakersfield, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 147), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 75).

How does Cottonwood compare to the rest of Bakersfield?

Cottonwood's overall crime index is 104, compared to the Bakersfield average of 76. This means crime in Cottonwood is 28% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 101, and for property crime it is 131. 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 Cottonwood?

The most prevalent crime type in Cottonwood is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 147 (47% 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 Cottonwood?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lakeview, Southgate, Oakridge and Tyner Homes. These areas are close to Cottonwood and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Cottonwood?

Cottonwood has a population of approximately 2,237. The median household income is $25,392. The median home value is $189,809. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Cottonwood crime compare to the national average?

Cottonwood's overall crime rate is 4% above the national average (index 104 vs 100). Within Bakersfield, it is safer than 9% 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.