Description of Indicator
This indicator uses FBI Uniform Crime Reports
to compare crime rates among regions and to
track crime rate trends. This analysis includes
violent felonies (homicide, forcible rape, robbery,
and aggravated assault) and property felonies
(burglary, motor vehicle theft, and larceny-theft).
The number of homicide victims by race or ethnicity is also shown.
Why is it Important?
Crime impacts both real and perceived safety in
a community. It can also negatively affect investment in a community if a neighborhood is considered unsafe.
How is Orange County Doing?
Orange County’s crime rate continues to fall:
• Between 2008 and 2009, Orange County’s
crime rate fell 5%.
• Over the past 10 years, reported crime in
Orange County dropped 14%, or an average of
approximately 2% each year.
• Compared to peers, Orange County has the
lowest overall crime rate, as well as the lowest
violent and property crime rates.
• Of the 69 homicides in Orange County in
2009, 46% of the victims were Hispanic, compared to 33% White, and 9% Asian/Pacific
Islander.
• Based on Orange County’s overall racial and
ethnic composition, Hispanic residents continue to be disproportionately more affected by
homicides than Wh