| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Carlsbad/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,933 | n/a (estimate) | 1,710 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 0.9 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 6.2 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 39 | n/a | 34.5 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 178 | n/a | 157.5 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 225 | n/a (estimate) | 199 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 267 | n/a | 236.2 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,318 | n/a | 1,166.1 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 123 | n/a | 108.8 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,708 | n/a (estimate) | 1,511 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
The Carlsbad crime rates are 19.3% lower 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 225 violent crimes in Carlsbad (199 per 100,000 people), which is 44.6% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1708 property crimes (1511 per 100,000 residents) which is 14.1% lower than average.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Carlsbad. Based on the results of the surveys (35 responses), 63% of people felt that there was very little crime in Carlsbad and felt safe walking alone at night. While 37% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Carlsbad is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Carlsbad has a total crime rate that is 19% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 5.3 daily crimes (0.62 violent daily crimes and 4.68 daily property crimes) in Carlsbad.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Carlsbad has decreased by 14.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Carlsbad, 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 decreased by 4.3%, while property crime has decreased by 15.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Carlsbad is a safe place to live.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Carlsbad crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Carlsbad has an unemployment rate of 3.9%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
In Carlsbad, the cost of living is 104.15% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Carlsbad are $3,148, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Carlsbad | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 158 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 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 |
| Fairbanks Ranch, CA | 3,019 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Rancho Santa Fe, CA | 2,734 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Lake San Marcos, CA | 4,102 | 93 | 397 | 490 |
| Hidden Meadows, CA | 3,812 | 104 | 444 | 548 |
| Bonsall, CA | 4,280 | 126 | 540 | 666 |
| San Marcos, CA | 99,851 | 222 | 660 | 882 |
| Encinitas, CA | 64,861 | 215 | 941 | 1,156 |
| Carlsbad, CA | 117,067 | 199 | 1,511 | 1,710 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Clovis, CA | 117,046 | 245 | 1,666 | 1,910 |
| Palm Bay, FL | 116,937 | 347 | 1,017 | 1,365 |
| North Charleston, SC | 117,218 | 810 | 3,956 | 4,766 |
| Murrieta, CA | 117,330 | 184 | 944 | 1,127 |
| Costa Mesa, CA | 117,376 | 738 | 2,837 | 3,574 |
| Carlsbad, CA | 117,067 | 199 | 1,511 | 1,710 |
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