| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Laguna Beach/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 446 | n/a (estimate) | 1,977 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 4.4 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 48.8 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 44.3 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 66 | n/a | 292.6 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 88 | n/a (estimate) | 390 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 63 | n/a | 279.3 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 254 | n/a | 1,125.9 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 41 | n/a | 181.7 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 358 | n/a (estimate) | 1,587 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Laguna Beach crime rate is lower than the national average by 14.9%. Specifically, there were 88 violent crimes in Laguna Beach, equivalent to 390 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 5.5%. Furthermore, Laguna Beach recorded 358 property crimes, amounting to 1587 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 18.8%.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Laguna Beach is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Laguna Beach reported 390 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 370.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Laguna Beach residents. Out of the respondents (29 in total), 62% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Laguna Beach were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 38% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Laguna 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. Laguna Beach has a total crime rate that is 15% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.22 daily crimes (0.24 violent daily crimes and 0.98 daily property crimes) in Laguna Beach.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Laguna Beach. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Laguna Beach has decreased by 10.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 1.1%, while property crimes have decreased by 12.7%. 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.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Laguna Beach, 96.9% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Laguna Beach, the cost of living is 158.61% 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.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Laguna Beach stands at $1,874,400, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
| Item | Laguna Beach | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 82 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 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 |
| Rancho Santa Margarita, CA | 48,280 | 38 | 469 | 508 |
| Laguna Woods, CA | 16,056 | 23 | 522 | 545 |
| Aliso Viejo, CA | 50,385 | 85 | 682 | 767 |
| Las Flores, CA | 5,089 | 163 | 762 | 925 |
| Coto de Caza, CA | 15,509 | 190 | 893 | 1,083 |
| Laguna Niguel, CA | 65,048 | 95 | 1,045 | 1,140 |
| Lake Forest, CA | 84,666 | 122 | 1,054 | 1,176 |
| Laguna Beach, CA | 22,991 | 390 | 1,587 | 1,977 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Landover, MD | 22,991 | 591 | 2,427 | 3,018 |
| Farmington, MN | 22,996 | 89 | 582 | 671 |
| Millbrae, CA | 22,998 | 210 | 984 | 1,194 |
| Kenmore, WA | 22,969 | 61 | 1,281 | 1,342 |
| Kingston, NY | 22,954 | 256 | 2,053 | 2,310 |
| Laguna Beach, CA | 22,991 | 390 | 1,587 | 1,977 |
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