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VENTURA, Calif.– Ventura County law enforcement agencies are proud to highlight new findings from the State of the Region Report 2025, published by the Ventura County Civic Alliance, which once again identifies Ventura County as the safest large county in California.

According to the report, Ventura County recorded 16.67 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2024, the lowest overall crime rate among California’s 16 largest counties. Although crime increased slightly from the record low of 2022, Ventura County continues to outperform every other large county in the state, an achievement the Civic Alliance notes is consistent with long-standing trends.

 "Once again, these numbers reflect the positive outcomes of community partnered policing,” said Sheriff Jim Fryhoff. "We are all lucky to live in a county where public safety is a priority and low crime rates can be counted on by the communities served by our brave men and women in law enforcement.”

The report observes that while many regions nationwide saw crime rise sharply during the early 2020s, Ventura County did not experience that pattern. Crime reached its lowest level in recent history in 2022, and although several cities experienced a slight increase in violent crime in 2023 and 2024, the county remains extraordinarily safe by comparison.

 Long-term data included in the report shows:

 • Ventura County’s overall crime rate in 2024 was the lowest among large counties, slightly better than San Diego County.
• The county had the third lowest violent crime rate and the second lowest property crime rate statewide among large counties.
 • Overall crime in Ventura County today is less than half of what it was 30 years ago. • Crime remains far below levels seen a decade ago.
• Moorpark and Thousand Oaks remain among the safest cities of their size in California.

“These data points reflect years of strong collaboration among law enforcement agencies and a shared commitment to proactive, community-focused policing,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “The long-term trend is clear, Ventura County remains one of the safest places to live, work, and raise a family.”

The State of the Region Report 2025 uses crime statistics from the California Department of Justice, analyzing violent and property crimes reported per 1,000 residents across the state’s largest counties and within Ventura County’s individual jurisdictions.
 
David Dickey – Ventura Police Chief

 "With crime rates down in Ventura, an 8% decline in vagrancy-related complaints, and officers engaging with thousands of residents through more than 150 community events last year, Ventura PD’s efforts continue to strengthen public safety. Our long-term crime trends reflect years of strong partnership between our officers and the community. Even as we continue to address theft, reckless e-bike behavior, and quality-of-life issues in public spaces, our crime rates remain far below where they were a decade ago. That progress comes from evidence-based policing and officers who respond with professionalism. We’ll keep working with our regional partners to maintain the safety Ventura is known for.”

 Jason Benites – Oxnard Police Chief

"It is good to pause and celebrate that Ventura County had the lowest rates of reported crimes amongst California's largest counties. We are proud, and we are thankful. A lot of work goes into this, and we must commit to continue with this work to ensure that this trend continues."

 Steve Shorts – Simi Valley Police Chief

 “I am pleased to report that crime has continued to trend downward in Simi Valley over the past few years. The low crime rates within our community reflect the strong partnership between the members of the Simi Valley Police Department and our residents, which helps make Simi Valley a great place to live and work. To maintain these low crime levels, we encourage residents to continue practicing crime-prevention strategies and to promptly notify the police department of any suspicious activity. Our goals remain to provide superior police services, strengthen community partnerships, promote active community engagement and outreach, and collaborate with our regional law-enforcement partners on crime-suppression efforts.”

 Don Aguilar – Santa Paula Police Chief

 “The City of Santa Paula continues its collaborations with our law enforcement partners throughout Ventura County, continuing to make our communities safer.”

More information about Ventura County’s crime rates can be found in the State of the Region Report 2025, published by the Ventura County Civic Alliance.