Loading Content...
Westmorland, California: Violent Crime Surge Amid Population Growth
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Loading Content...
Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Westmorland, located in California, has experienced significant changes in its violent crime trends over the past decade. From 2010 to 2020, the total number of violent crimes increased from 6 to 14, representing a 133% increase. During this same period, the city's population grew from 2,024 to 2,746.5, a 35.7% increase.
The murder rate in the city has shown notable fluctuations. From 2010 to 2017, there were no reported murders. However, in 2018 and 2020, one murder was reported each year. This translates to a murder rate of 0.33 per 1,000 people in 2018 and 0.36 per 1,000 people in 2020. The percentage of state murders attributed to Westmorland rose from 0% to 0.07% in 2018 and slightly decreased to 0.06% in 2020. This sudden appearance of murders in a previously murder-free community suggests a concerning shift in violent crime patterns.
Rape trends in the city are difficult to analyze due to limited data availability. From 2010 to 2018, there were no reported rapes. The data for 2019 is not available, and in 2020, there were still no reported rapes. This consistent zero-rape statistic suggests either effective prevention measures or potential underreporting issues.
Robbery incidents have fluctuated over the years. In 2010, there was 1 reported robbery, which increased to 3 in 2015, then dropped to zero in 2016 and 2017. In 2020, 1 robbery was reported again. The robbery rate per 1,000 people peaked at 1.38 in 2015 and stood at 0.36 in 2020. The percentage of state robberies attributed to the city has remained consistently low, never exceeding 0.01%.
Aggravated assault has shown the most significant increase among violent crimes. In 2010, there were 5 reported cases, which dropped to zero in 2011 and 2013. However, by 2020, the number had risen to 12 cases. The rate per 1,000 people increased from 2.47 in 2010 to 4.37 in 2020. The city's contribution to state aggravated assaults rose from 0.01% in 2010 to 0.01% in 2020, indicating a consistent share of state incidents despite the local increase.
There appears to be a correlation between the increase in violent crimes and population growth. As the population density increased from 3,430 per square mile in 2010 to 4,654 per square mile in 2020, violent crimes also rose. Additionally, there seems to be a relationship between the rising median rent (from $630 in 2013 to $820.5 in 2020) and the increase in violent crimes, particularly aggravated assaults.
The racial demographics of the city have remained relatively stable, with the Hispanic population consistently representing the majority (around 80-87% from 2013 to 2022). This stability in racial distribution suggests that changes in violent crime rates are likely influenced by factors other than shifts in racial demographics.
Applying predictive models to forecast violent crime trends, it's estimated that by 2029 (five years from now), Westmorland could see a further increase in violent crimes. The total number of violent crimes could potentially reach 20-25 annually, with aggravated assaults continuing to be the predominant form of violent crime.
In summary, Westmorland has experienced a significant increase in violent crimes, particularly aggravated assaults, over the past decade. This trend correlates with population growth and rising housing costs. The emergence of murders in recent years and the consistent increase in aggravated assaults are particularly concerning developments that warrant attention from local law enforcement and community leaders.
