Is Compton Dangerous?
Yes, Compton is still fairly dangerous, as the local violent crime rate is much 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 51% higher than the US average. Even more troubling is the violent crime rate, which is 279% 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, so Compton isn't as bad as it used to be. However, that doesn’t mean Compton is a safe area, as it consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities in California, with high rates of murder, robbery, and assaults.
Compton 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.
Compton 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.
Is 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.