| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Brea/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,504 | n/a (estimate) | 3,076 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 2.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 12.3 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 45 | n/a | 92.0 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 51 | n/a | 104.3 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 103 | n/a (estimate) | 211 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 132 | n/a | 269.9 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,193 | n/a | 2,439.6 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 76 | n/a | 155.4 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,401 | n/a (estimate) | 2,865 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

The Brea crime rates are 45.1% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 103 violent crimes in Brea (211 per 100,000 people), which is 41.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1401 property crimes (2865 per 100,000 residents) which is 62.8% higher than average.
What do the local residents think about crime in Brea? Well, based on a recent survey of 18 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 67% of Brea residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 33% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Brea, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Brea presents a total crime rate that is 45% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Brea experiences an average of 4.12 daily crimes, comprising 0.28 violent incidents and 3.84 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Brea crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Brea has increased by 21.2% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 63.5% and property crime has increased by 18.9%.
In Brea, the cost of living is 81.99% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Brea stands at $1,255,202, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Brea, the average rental rates are $2,990 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Brea | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 123 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rose Hills, CA | 2,699 | 87 | 371 | 458 |
| North El Monte, CA | 3,790 | 121 | 518 | 639 |
| Villa Park, CA | 6,039 | 36 | 713 | 749 |
| La Habra Heights, CA | 5,470 | 171 | 683 | 853 |
| Yorba Linda, CA | 70,241 | 93 | 765 | 858 |
| Rossmoor, CA | 12,384 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| North Tustin, CA | 26,001 | 210 | 898 | 1,108 |
| Brea, CA | 45,637 | 211 | 2,865 | 3,076 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wake Forest, NC | 45,648 | 147 | 1,305 | 1,452 |
| Ashburn, VA | 45,717 | 94 | 678 | 772 |
| Burke, VA | 45,553 | 94 | 678 | 772 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | 45,771 | 410 | 785 | 1,196 |
| Cleveland Heights, OH | 45,821 | 251 | 1,300 | 1,551 |
| Brea, CA | 45,637 | 211 | 2,865 | 3,076 |