| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Desert Hot Springs/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 571 | n/a (estimate) | 1,692 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 8.9 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 29.6 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 40 | n/a | 118.5 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 113 | n/a | 334.8 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 166 | n/a (estimate) | 492 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 92 | n/a | 272.6 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 186 | n/a | 551.1 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 127 | n/a | 376.3 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 405 | n/a (estimate) | 1,200 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Desert Hot Springs crime rate is 20.2% lower 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 Desert Hot Springs, there were 166 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 492 per 100,000 individuals, 37% higher than the national average. Additionally, Desert Hot Springs recorded 405 property crimes, amounting to 1200 per 100,000 residents, 31.8% lower than the U.S. average.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Desert Hot Springs residents. Out of the respondents (58 in total), 38% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Desert Hot Springs were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 62% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Desert Hot Springs, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Desert Hot Springs presents a total crime rate that is 20% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Desert Hot Springs experiences an average of 1.56 daily crimes, comprising 0.45 violent incidents and 1.11 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 residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Desert Hot Springs. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Desert Hot Springs has decreased by 18.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 23.9%, while property crimes have decreased by 15.6%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In Desert Hot Springs, the poverty rate currently stands at 24%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Desert Hot Springs crime rates.
In Desert Hot Springs, 63.2% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In Desert Hot Springs, the cost of living is 17.97% 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.

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 | Desert Hot Springs | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 33 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.2 | 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 |
| Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA | 3,079 | 178 | 763 | 941 |
| Whitewater, CA | 1,202 | 245 | 1,046 | 1,290 |
| Sky Valley, CA | 2,328 | 276 | 1,179 | 1,455 |
| Cathedral City, CA | 56,625 | 283 | 1,220 | 1,504 |
| Yucca Valley, CA | 22,259 | 606 | 962 | 1,567 |
| Morongo Valley, CA | 3,239 | 301 | 1,289 | 1,590 |
| Rancho Mirage, CA | 19,003 | 188 | 2,393 | 2,581 |
| Desert Hot Springs, CA | 30,374 | 492 | 1,200 | 1,692 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kent, OH | 30,369 | 127 | 1,272 | 1,399 |
| Central, LA | 30,353 | 261 | 1,151 | 1,412 |
| Canton, GA | 30,425 | 171 | 759 | 929 |
| Pasadena, MD | 30,445 | 372 | 1,816 | 2,188 |
| Norwood, MA | 30,301 | 167 | 713 | 880 |
| Desert Hot Springs, CA | 30,374 | 492 | 1,200 | 1,692 |