F
108%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
221%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
87%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePismo Beach/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime388n/a (estimate)4,8412,8432,324
Murder0n/a0.05.76.3
Rape3n/a37.437.440.0
Robbery8n/a99.8123.566.1
Assault84n/a1,048.0332.8268.2
Violent crime95n/a (estimate)1,185500370
Burglary31n/a386.8371.9269.8
Theft245n/a3,056.81,499.31,401.9
Vehicle theft17n/a212.1471.9282.7
Property crime293n/a (estimate)3,6562,3431,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Pismo Beach, CA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Pismo Beach crime rate is 108.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Pismo Beach, there were 95 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1185 per 100,000 individuals, 220.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, Pismo Beach recorded 293 property crimes, amounting to 3656 per 100,000 residents, 87.1% higher than the U.S. average.

With a crime rate of 4841 per 100,000 residents, Pismo Beach has a crime rate that is 108.28% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Pismo Beach that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

Pismo Beach ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1185 per 100,000 people, Pismo Beach is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 85 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Pismo Beach, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

In the most recently reported crime year, Pismo Beach registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

Pismo Beach has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 3656 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Pismo Beach is 1 in 28, which is far higher than the national average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Pismo Beach?

AreaVibes surveyed 21 local residents in Pismo Beach to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 43% of people answered that there was very little crime in Pismo Beach and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 57% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Pismo Beach a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Pismo Beach, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Pismo Beach presents a total crime rate that is 108% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Pismo Beach experiences an average of 1.06 daily crimes, comprising 0.26 violent incidents and 0.8 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Pismo Beach Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Pismo Beach has increased by 8.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Pismo Beach, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 69.6%, while property crime has increased by 3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Pismo Beach is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach has a poverty rate of 8.1, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Pismo Beach currently has an unemployment rate of 1.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

Pismo Beach has a population density of 2299.6 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Pismo Beach crime rates.

Pismo Beach crime map



The Pismo Beach crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Pismo Beach as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Pismo Beach crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Pismo Beach crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Pismo Beach, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Pismo Beach crime rates are 108% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Pismo Beach are 221% higher than the national average
      • In Pismo Beach you have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Pismo Beach is safer than 2% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Pismo Beach has increased by 11%

      Pismo Beach, CA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Pismo Beach

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        Daily Crime In Pismo Beach (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Pismo Beach, per 100,000 residents. In Pismo Beach, the total number of daily crimes is 1.70 times more than the California average and 2.08 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Pismo Beach are 2.37 times more than the California average and 3.21 times more than the national average. For property crime, Pismo Beach has a daily crime rate that is 1.56 times more than the California average and 1.87 times more than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Pismo Beach (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Pismo Beach in comparison to other California communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Pismo Beach safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Pismo Beach being safer than 3% of cities in California and 2% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking California cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Pismo Beach. In conclusion, Pismo Beach ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Pismo Beach

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Pismo Beach is 1 in 85
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Pismo Beach is 1 in 28
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Pismo Beach is 1 in 21
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Pismo Beach? In Pismo Beach, you have a 1 in 85 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 28. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Pismo Beach, CA is 1 in 21.

        Year Over Year Crime In Pismo Beach (per 100,000 people)

        A good indicator of whether Pismo Beach is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Pismo Beach has increased by 74%, while the property crime rate in Pismo Beach has not changed year over year. The number of total crimes in Pismo Beach has increased by 11% year over year.

        Pismo Beach police department

        Item Pismo Beach California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3351,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents4.23.63.3
        There are a total of 33 Pismo Beach police officers. This results in 4.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 17.2% greater than the California average and 30.2% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Los Ranchos, CA1,67570329399
        Avila Beach, CA1,45570329399
        Woodlands, CA2,33170329399
        Callender, CA1,638105494600
        Guadalupe, CA7,654561,1701,226
        Blacklake, CA7972861,3421,628
        Arroyo Grande, CA17,9244981,4441,941
        Pismo Beach, CA8,0421,1853,6564,841

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Helena Valley West Central, MT8,0423421,5711,913
        Chestnut Ridge, NY8,0412661,0691,335
        Mansfield Center, MA8,0432859461,230
        Conshohocken, PA8,039103543645
        Brookhaven, PA8,0452021,0691,271
        Pismo Beach, CA8,0421,1853,6564,841
        Source: The Pismo Beach, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.