| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Imperial Beach/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 328 | n/a (estimate) | 1,280 | 2,834 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 15.6 | 36.4 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 16 | n/a | 62.4 | 128.3 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 72 | n/a | 281.0 | 338.6 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 92 | n/a (estimate) | 359 | 508 | 364 |
| Burglary | 18 | n/a | 70.2 | 347.4 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 113 | n/a | 441.0 | 1,466.0 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 105 | n/a | 409.8 | 512.2 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 236 | n/a (estimate) | 921 | 2,326 | 1,917 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Imperial Beach crime rate is 37.5% 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 103 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 397 per 100,000 individuals, 7.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, Imperial Beach recorded 274 property crimes, amounting to 1057 per 100,000 residents, 45.9% lower than the U.S. average.
Imperial Beach exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 397 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Imperial Beach as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Imperial Beach. Based on the results of the surveys (25 responses), 32% of people felt that there was very little crime in Imperial Beach and felt safe walking alone at night. While 68% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Imperial Beach a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Imperial Beach crime rate is 37% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.03 crimes per day - 0.28 violent crimes and 0.75 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Imperial Beach has decreased by 0.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Imperial 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 8.4%, while property crime has decreased by 3.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Imperial Beach is a safe place to live.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Imperial Beach crime rates. In Imperial Beach, the poverty rate stands at 16.6%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
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 Imperial Beach 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. Imperial Beach has an unemployment rate of 5%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
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.
| Item | Imperial Beach | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Jamul, CA | 5,776 | 165 | 756 | 922 |
| Bonita, CA | 12,470 | 194 | 886 | 1,080 |
| Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, CA | 19,327 | 244 | 1,117 | 1,361 |
| Rancho San Diego, CA | 21,476 | 245 | 1,122 | 1,367 |
| Spring Valley CDP (Lake County), CA | 1,154 | 274 | 1,256 | 1,531 |
| Chula Vista, CA | 268,779 | 346 | 1,277 | 1,623 |
| La Mesa, CA | 60,208 | 378 | 1,660 | 2,038 |
| Imperial Beach, CA | 27,334 | 359 | 921 | 1,280 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Citrus Park, FL | 27,333 | 183 | 956 | 1,139 |
| Bixby, OK | 27,315 | 119 | 900 | 1,018 |
| Round Lake Beach, IL | 27,313 | 52 | 902 | 954 |
| Gladstone, MO | 27,365 | 343 | 2,044 | 2,387 |
| Bergenfield, NJ | 27,375 | 14 | 358 | 372 |
| Imperial Beach, CA | 27,334 | 359 | 921 | 1,280 |
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