Is Arcata or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Arcata is safer than New York City (Safety Score 34/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,271 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 25% lower. Arcata has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Arcata has a 100% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 434.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Arcata — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Arcata, CA
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Arcata | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,271.4 | 3,039.7 | -768.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 507.7 | 671.4 | -163.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.9 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 73.3 | 23.4 | +49.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 120.4 | 187.5 | -67.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 314.0 | 456.2 | -142.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,763.8 | 2,368.3 | -604.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 193.7 | 154.7 | +38.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,423.6 | 2,015.0 | -591.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 146.5 | 198.5 | -52.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arcata or New York City safer?
Arcata is safer with a total crime rate of 2,271 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Arcata has a violent crime rate of 507.7 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. Arcata has lower violent crime.
About Arcata, CA
Arcata, California, a Humboldt Bay city and home to Cal Poly Humboldt, is known for its redwood forests and counter-culture heritage. Its population of around 19,000 residents enjoys a temperate climate and a strong sense of community. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 19,107, Arcata has a total crime rate of 2,271.4 per 100,000 residents.
About New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.