Whittier, CA skyline

Whittier, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Grade: B-

Lower crime than 48% of major U.S. cities

Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026

18%
Below Avg Crime
1 in 246
Violent Crime Risk
1 in 52
Property Crime Risk
100%
Safe Neighborhoods

Is Whittier Safe?

Mostly yes — Whittier is fairly safe

Crime is slightly below the national average, though some areas may vary.

Whittier has a crime rate that is 18% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 246.

However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Michigan Park earn an A safety grade, while North Whittier rates A. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Whittier.

Crime Index Comparison

Whittier
82
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.

Your Chance of Being a Victim

Violent Crime

1 in 246

chance per year

National average: 1 in 263

7% higher than national average

Property Crime

1 in 52

chance per year

National average: 1 in 55

6% higher than national average

Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?

Whittier Crime Breakdown

Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.

Highest Risk
Robbery · 40% above avg
Lowest Risk
Burglary · 21% below avg
Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
84 -16% Average
Assault
97 -3% Average
Robbery
140 +40% Moderate
Rape
114 +14% Average
Property Crime
Burglary
79 -21% Low
Larceny / Theft
101 +1% Average
Vehicle Theft
97 -3% Average

Violent vs Property Crime

Crime Index by Category

Whittier Crime Map

Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Where Is It Safe in Whittier?

Safety varies dramatically across Whittier's 2+ neighborhoods.

Not sure which neighborhood you're in?

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

Out of 2 neighborhoods in Whittier

All Whittier Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Michigan Park A 27
2 North Whittier A 53

Whittier Crime by Zip Code

Explore crime data for specific Whittier zip codes.

Whittier Demographics & Context

Population
84,821
Median Income
$76,026
Home Value
$596,363
Median Rent
$1,407
Ownership
58%

Racial Demographics

Hispanic / Latino 72.7%
White 55.1%
Black 1.4%
Asian 5.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Whittier, CA?

Whittier, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 18% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 246 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 52 chance for property crime. Whittier has lower crime than 48% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Is Whittier, CA safe to live in?

Whittier is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 100% of the city's 2 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Michigan Park is one of the safest areas, while North Whittier has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Whittier is strongly recommended.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Whittier?

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Whittier are Michigan Park, and North Whittier. 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 Whittier?

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Whittier include North Whittier, and Michigan Park. 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 Whittier?

The estimated violent crime rate in Whittier is 406.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 7% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 246 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.2 per 100K (16% below average); aggravated assault at 260.7 per 100K (3% below average); robbery at 103.7 per 100K (40% above average).

What is the property crime rate in Whittier?

The estimated property crime rate in Whittier is 1,936.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 6% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 52 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 213.7 per 100K (21% below average); larceny/theft at 1,413.0 per 100K (1% above average); vehicle theft at 309.8 per 100K (3% below average).

How does Whittier crime compare to the national average?

Whittier's overall crime rate is 18% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is robbery (40% above average), while burglary is 21% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Whittier has lower crime than 48% of them.

Is Whittier safe to visit?

Whittier is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 6% 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 Michigan Park, North Whittier.

How does Whittier crime compare to the rest of California?

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Whittier's crime rate is 18% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.

What type of crime is most common in Whittier?

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Whittier, with an estimated rate of 1,413.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 1% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,937 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (407 per 100K) in Whittier, which is consistent with national trends.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State