Compton, CA Crime Rate & Safety
Higher crime than 95% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Compton Safe?
No — crime is noticeably above average
Choosing the right neighborhood is critical for personal safety.
Compton has a crime rate that is 91% above the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 157.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Rancho Domiguez earn an B+ safety grade, while Rancho Domiguez rates B+. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Compton.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 157
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
67% higher than national average
Property Crime
1 in 37
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
49% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Compton Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
188 | +88% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
151 | +51% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
191 | +91% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
238 | +138% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
176 | +76% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
110 | +10% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
224 | +124% | High | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Compton Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Compton?
Safety varies dramatically across Compton's 1+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 1Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 1 neighborhoods in Compton
All Compton Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rancho Domiguez | B+ | 100 |
Compton Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Compton zip codes.
Compton Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Compton, CA?
Compton, CA has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 91% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 157 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 37 chance for property crime. Compton has higher crime than 95% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Compton, CA safe to live in?
Compton has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 100% of the city's 1 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Rancho Domiguez is one of the safest areas, while Rancho Domiguez has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Compton is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Compton?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Compton are Rancho Domiguez. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Compton?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Compton include Rancho Domiguez. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Compton?
The estimated violent crime rate in Compton is 635.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 67% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 157 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 9.4 per 100K (88% above average); aggravated assault at 404.4 per 100K (51% above average); robbery at 141.4 per 100K (91% above average).
What is the property crime rate in Compton?
The estimated property crime rate in Compton is 2,734.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 49% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 37 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 474.6 per 100K (76% above average); larceny/theft at 1,544.6 per 100K (10% above average); vehicle theft at 714.8 per 100K (124% above average).
How does Compton crime compare to the national average?
Compton's overall crime rate is 91% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (138% above average), while larceny/theft is 10% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Compton has higher crime than 95% of them.
Is Compton safe to visit?
Visitors to Compton should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 49% 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 Rancho Domiguez.
How does Compton crime compare to the rest of California?
California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Compton's crime rate is 91% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.
What type of crime is most common in Compton?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Compton, with an estimated rate of 1,544.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 10% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,734 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (635 per 100K) in Compton, which is consistent with national trends.