| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | La Mesa/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,083 | n/a (estimate) | 1,794 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 6.6 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 13.3 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 50 | n/a | 82.8 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 189 | n/a | 313.2 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 251 | n/a (estimate) | 416 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 133 | n/a | 220.4 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 541 | n/a | 896.4 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 158 | n/a | 261.8 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 832 | n/a (estimate) | 1,379 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
The La Mesa crime rates are 15.3% 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 251 violent crimes in La Mesa (416 per 100,000 people), which is 15.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 832 property crimes (1379 per 100,000 residents) which is 21.7% lower than average.
What do the local residents think about crime in La Mesa? Well, based on a recent survey of 35 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 57% of La Mesa residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 43% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if La Mesa 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. La Mesa has a total crime rate that is 15% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.97 daily crimes (0.69 violent daily crimes and 2.28 daily property crimes) in La Mesa.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in La Mesa. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in La Mesa has decreased by 16.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 59.9%, while property crime has decreased by 27.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in La Mesa.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In La Mesa, the cost of living is 65.03% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
La Mesa has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.61 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
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 La Mesa, the average rental rates are $2,430 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | La Mesa | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 94 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Granite Hills, CA | 4,167 | 132 | 565 | 697 |
| Crest, CA | 2,792 | 148 | 633 | 781 |
| Santee, CA | 59,609 | 254 | 571 | 826 |
| Jamul, CA | 5,960 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Bonita, CA | 12,952 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Harbison Canyon, CA | 4,523 | 221 | 947 | 1,168 |
| Imperial Beach, CA | 27,956 | 539 | 638 | 1,176 |
| La Mesa, CA | 62,341 | 416 | 1,379 | 1,794 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Marietta, GA | 62,336 | 298 | 1,810 | 2,109 |
| Novi, MI | 62,295 | 99 | 655 | 755 |
| Petaluma, CA | 62,491 | 272 | 1,173 | 1,445 |
| Coconut Creek, FL | 62,174 | 217 | 1,155 | 1,373 |
| Leander, TX | 62,512 | 70 | 988 | 1,058 |
| La Mesa, CA | 62,341 | 416 | 1,379 | 1,794 |
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