Is Compton Dangerous?

By PropertyClub Team
Jun 26th 2023
Compton is one of Southern California’s most iconic cities and has been a fixture of music and California culture for decades. Compton is located in the heart of Los Angeles County, close to downtown and near the famous Long Beach area. Although Compton is known as a high crime area, does the myth hold up to fact?

hash-markIs Compton Dangerous?

Yes, Compton is fairly dangerous, as crime rates are higher than the national average. Compton has a population of 97,740 and a crime rate of 3,533 per 100,000 people, which is 37% higher than the California average and 51% higher than the national average. Crime rates in Compton spiked in the 1990s, with an extremely high violent crime rate associated with gang activity. In recent years, crime has gone down somewhat in the city. However, this doesn’t mean Compton is a safe area, as it consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities in California. 

hash-markCompton vs. Other Los Angeles County Cities 

Compton vs. Inglewood

Inglewood is another Los Angeles County city that is often associated with high crime. Compton and Inglewood practically share a border, so both cities would make a logical comparison. With a population of 111,012, Inglewood has a total crime rate that is 14% higher than the California average. While Inglewood is not generally considered a safe place to live, Compton definitely has a higher crime rate. 

Compton vs. Downey 

Downey is often considered to be the affordable, relatively safe option for working-class people. Located northeast of Compton, Downey has a population of 113,223 and a total crime rate that is 14% lower than the California average. While residents report feeling mostly safe in Downey, property crimes such as car theft and burglary have been known to occur. However, Downey is still a much safer option than many of its surrounding areas. 

Compton vs. Torrance 

Located right on the beach, Torrance is a desirable neighborhood that is still somewhat affordable by Los Angeles standards. Regarding safety, Torrance easily beats out Compton with a crime rate of 13% lower than the California average. Torrance has traditionally had a reputation for being a strictly working-class neighborhood, but the area has increasingly attracted many professionals. 

Compton vs. East Los Angeles

East Los Angeles is a neighborhood that is often characterized as working class to low-income. East Los Angeles is slightly more dangerous than Compton, with a crime rate that is 58% higher than the national average. East Los Angeles has a high amount of both property and violent crime, as well as gang activity in certain areas. 

hash-markCompton vs. Other US Cities 

Compton vs. New Orleans

New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana and one of the country’s most violent cities. In 2022, New Orleans had 280 homicides and almost 500 shootings. With a population of 382,922, New Orleans has a crime rate that is 150% higher than the national average. Even considering the population difference, New Orleans is significantly more dangerous than Compton. 

Compton vs. Detroit

Detroit and Compton are both highly dangerous cities, but which one is worse? With a population of 683,443, Detroit has a crime rate of 5,509 per 100,000 which is 135% higher than the national average. In 2022, Detroit had 309 homicides and almost 10,558 incidents of aggravated assault. When comparing the numbers, Detroit is still a more dangerous place to live than Compton. 

Compton vs. St. Louis

St. Louis is a city that has seen a dramatic uptick in crime in recent years. With a population of around 316,000, St. Louis has a total crime rate of 6,948 per 100,000 which is 196% higher than the national average. In 2022 St. Louis had 363 homicides and consistently ranks among the most dangerous places in the United States. While Compton has its fair share of violent incidents, its crime rate still comes up short compared to St. Louis. 

Compton vs. Oakland

Located in Northern California, Oakland is one of the most dangerous cities in its state and in the country. With a population of about 420,000, Oakland’s crime rate is 175% higher than the national average and 150% higher than the California average. Oakland’s murder rate has steadily increased in many neighborhoods, with 2022 having 113 recorded homicides. Despite Compton having a worse reputation, Oakland has statistically higher crime rates. 

hash-markIs Compton Dangerous Bottom Line

While Compton may not be as dangerous as other major American cities, it still remains one of the most dangerous in California. Even though Compton may not be as dangerous as it once was, both violent and property crimes in the area are still well above the national and state average.