D+
44%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
50%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
64%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleImperial Beach/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime297n/a (estimate)1,1762,5642,119
Murder0n/a0.04.55.0
Rape0n/a0.036.637.5
Robbery18n/a71.3119.160.6
Assault118n/a467.4325.8256.1
Violent crime136n/a (estimate)539486359
Burglary7n/a27.7305.8229.2
Theft83n/a328.81,345.21,272.1
Vehicle theft71n/a281.2427.5258.8
Property crime161n/a (estimate)6382,0781,760

Imperial Beach crime map

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The Imperial Beach crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Imperial 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 Imperial Beach crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Imperial 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Imperial Beach, CA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Imperial Beach crime rate is 44.5% 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 Imperial Beach, there were 136 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 539 per 100,000 individuals, 50% higher than the national average. Additionally, Imperial Beach recorded 161 property crimes, amounting to 638 per 100,000 residents, 63.8% lower than the U.S. average.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Imperial Beach reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Imperial Beach has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 638 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Imperial Beach remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Imperial Beach?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Imperial Beach residents. Out of the respondents (27 in total), 30% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Imperial Beach were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 70% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Imperial Beach a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Imperial Beach 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. Imperial Beach has a total crime rate that is 44% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.81 daily crimes (0.37 violent daily crimes and 0.44 daily property crimes) in Imperial Beach.

Has Crime in Imperial Beach Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Imperial Beach has decreased by 21.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Imperial Beach is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 43.2%, while property crime has decreased by 43.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Imperial Beach.

Potential Causes for Crime in Imperial Beach

In Imperial Beach, the current unemployment rate stands at 5.3%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Imperial Beach crime rates.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Imperial Beach, 77.7% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Imperial Beach, there are 0 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Compare Imperial Beach, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Imperial Beach crime rates are 44% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Imperial Beach are 50% higher than the national average
      • In Imperial Beach you have a 1 in 86 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Imperial Beach is safer than 22% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Imperial Beach has decreased by 8%

      Imperial Beach, CA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Imperial Beach

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        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Imperial Beach?
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        Daily Crime In Imperial Beach (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Imperial Beach on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of California and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Imperial Beach (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to California, are 2.18 times less than the state average and 1.80 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Imperial Beach on a daily basis are 1.11 times more than than California average and 1.50 times more than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Imperial Beach are 3.26 times less than the daily state average and 2.76 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Imperial Beach (higher is better)

        Is Imperial Beach safe in comparison to other cities in the state of California as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Imperial Beach to other cities in the state and across the country, Imperial Beach is 40% safer than other cities of California and 22% safer than other cities in the nation. Imperial Beach has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Imperial Beach

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Imperial Beach is 1 in 186
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Imperial Beach is 1 in 157
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Imperial Beach is 1 in 86
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Imperial Beach, California you have a 1 in 186 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 157 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 86 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Imperial Beach.

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

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Imperial Beach, California (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Imperial Beach has increased by 50%, the amount of property crime in Imperial Beach has decreased by 31%, and the total amount of crime in Imperial Beach has decreased by 8% year over year.

        Imperial Beach police department

        Item Imperial Beach California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)n/a51,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a3.63.3

        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
        Jamul, CA5,960158676834
        Bonita, CA12,952185792977
        Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, CA19,7212339981,232
        Rancho San Diego, CA22,1362341,0021,237
        Spring Valley CDP (Lake County), CA1,1892621,1221,385
        Chula Vista, CA274,6133761,1321,508
        Lemon Grove, CA27,5124431,0741,517
        Imperial Beach, CA27,9565396381,176

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Anderson, SC27,9565615,7056,265
        Short Pump, VA27,93994678772
        Magna, UT27,9382561,5671,823
        New Smyrna Beach, FL27,977115613729
        Shaker Heights, OH27,985127670797
        Imperial Beach, CA27,9565396381,176
        Source: The Imperial Beach, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.