Is Compton Dangerous?

Yes, Compton is still dangerous to live in according to current crime stats. 38 per 1,000 residents is one of the highest in America for cities of all sizes. 1 in 26 chances of being a victim of either violent or property crime.

More than 92% of California cities have a lower crime rate than Compton. So yeah, crime is still a big deal.

What Are Crime Rates Like in Compton?

According to NeighborhoodScout crime data Compton’s violent crime rate is way higher than the national and California rates. 11.40 violent crimes per 1000 residents (compared to 3.99 for the US and 4.99 for California) Compton still has a lot of work to do on crime.

Property crime is also more prevalent in Compton with a rate of 26.91 per 1000 residents higher than the national rate of 20 and the California rate of 23.43.

If you live in Compton the chances of being a victim of violent crime are 1 in 88 and of property crime 1 in 37. Assault and motor vehicle theft are the most common crimes reflecting the city’s ongoing safety issues.

Why Is Compton So Dangerous?

Compton, California has been dangerous and violent for years, and it’s because of a long history of socio-economic problems and gang activity. The crime rate skyrocketed after the 1965 Watts riots and middle class people started to flee.

By the late 60’s Compton had the highest crime rate in California and was known for gang violence, especially with the Bloods and Crips. This violent reputation got even worse in the late 80’s with the rise of gangsta rap, especially with N.W.A. ‘s album Straight Outta Compton which showed the harsh reality of life in the city.

Gang Violence

In the 80’s and 90’s Compton was violent as hell, peaking in 1990 with a murder rate of 91 per 100,000. The city’s problems were made worse by drug trafficking and systemic issues within the police department, including police brutality.

Guns were involved in 91.5% of homicides from 2000 to 2016, way higher than the national average. Although crime rates have improved since then, with homicides decreasing due to better policing and community programs, the perception of danger still remains.

Social and Economic Factors

The socio-economic landscape of Compton has contributed to its dangerous image. When white people left in the mid 20th century they left behind a weak economic base which led to poverty and crime. Gangs filled the void left by broken community structures and created cycles of violence that became part of the city’s culture.

And the media has sensationalized these issues even more, so Compton’s reputation as a dangerous place still remains even with the improvements.

What’s the Current Situation of Crime in Compton?

Compton is still dealing with its past but efforts have been made to turn the community around. Crime has stabilized and even went down significantly in recent years. Programs to reduce youth violence and community relations with the police are in the works.

Many residents now feel safe where before they wouldn’t. But the legacy of violence still lingers locally and nationally so some can’t see beyond the past.

Most Dangerous Areas in Compton

Northeast Compton

This area has the most crimes, especially around retail areas where crime rates can be high due to foot traffic. 846 crimes occur here annually.

Central Avenue

Areas around Central Avenue are considered unsafe due to high gang activity and violent crime. Be careful here.

South Compton

The southern areas, especially those south of Compton High School and around Davis Park are the most dangerous. You can be a victim of crime 1 in 15 here.

Compton Airport Vicinity

The areas around the Compton Airport also have higher crime rates. Transient population and fewer residents contribute to more crime.

Areas Near Major Freeways

Areas near 105 and 710 are less safe than those near 91 and 110. Be careful around here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Compton a City?

Yes, Compton is a city in Los Angeles County, California. It was incorporated in 1888 and is one of the oldest cities in the county.

Where Is Compton Located?

Compton is located in Southern California, in Los Angeles County, south of downtown Los Angeles.

Is Compton Safe?

Compton’s safety varies by neighborhood. Residents generally consider the east part of the city to be the safest, where the chances of being a victim of crime are as low as 1 in 26. However, in the southern neighborhoods, the risk increases, with the likelihood of becoming a crime victim rising to 1 in 15. While some areas offer relatively safer living conditions, crime remains a concern in other parts of the city.

How Far Is Compton From LA?

Compton is about 15-17 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, which is roughly a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic.

How Far Is Compton From Long Beach?

Compton is about 8 miles north of Long Beach, which is roughly a 15-20 minute drive depending on traffic.

How Many Murders in Compton per Year?

In recent years, Compton has experienced fluctuating homicide rates. In 2021, there were 32 homicides reported in the city. This figure is a significant decrease from its peak in 2005, when the murder rate reached 72 killings. Over the years, various community and law enforcement initiatives have contributed to a decline in violent crime, although challenges remain due to ongoing gang violence and social issues.

What Is the Most Dangerous Street in Compton?

The most dangerous street in Compton is often considered to be Willowbrook Avenue, particularly the area around the 13100 block, which has been associated with high levels of gang violence and multiple shootings. This street has gained notoriety due to incidents of violent crime, including homicides linked to gang activity.

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