Hawthorne, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Hawthorne, CA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 33% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 212 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 31 chance for property crime. Hawthorne has higher crime than 83% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Hawthorne has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Hawthorne is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Hawthorne is 470.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 24% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 212 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 7.8 per 100K (55% above average); aggravated assault at 297.2 per 100K (11% above average); robbery at 131.0 per 100K (77% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Hawthorne is 3,227.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 76% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 31 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 336.4 per 100K (25% above average); larceny/theft at 2,330.6 per 100K (66% above average); vehicle theft at 560.9 per 100K (76% above average).

Hawthorne's overall crime rate is 33% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is robbery (77% above average), while rape is 4% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Hawthorne has higher crime than 83% of them.

Visitors to Hawthorne should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 76% 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.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Hawthorne's crime rate is 33% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Hawthorne, with an estimated rate of 2,330.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 66% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,228 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (471 per 100K) in Hawthorne, which is consistent with national trends.