| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Malibu/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 433 | n/a (estimate) | 4,260 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 49.2 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 12 | n/a | 118.1 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 48 | n/a | 472.3 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 65 | n/a (estimate) | 640 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 72 | n/a | 708.4 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 264 | n/a | 2,597.4 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 32 | n/a | 314.8 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 368 | n/a (estimate) | 3,621 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
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 Malibu crime rate is higher than the national average by 101%. Specifically, there were 65 violent crimes in Malibu, equivalent to 640 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 78.1%. Furthermore, Malibu recorded 368 property crimes, amounting to 3621 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 105.7%.
With a total of 4260 crimes per 100,000 people, the Malibu crime rates stand at 101.03 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Malibu, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
In the most recently reported crime year, Malibu registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Malibu reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3621 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 28 chance of falling victim to property crime in Malibu, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
AreaVibes surveyed 34 local residents in Malibu to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 76% of people answered that there was very little crime in Malibu and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 24% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Malibu is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Malibu has an overall crime rate that is 101% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.19 daily occurrences, comprising 0.18 violent crimes and 1.01 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Malibu as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Malibu has increased by 9.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Malibu, 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 62.5%, while property crime has increased by 3.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Malibu is a safe place to live.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Malibu crime rate. The poverty level in Malibu is 11%, while the national average is 15.1%.
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 Malibu, the cost of living is 235.38% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 Malibu stands at $3,522,635, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
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 | Malibu | 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 |
| Lake Sherwood, CA | 1,758 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Bell Canyon, CA | 2,062 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Santa Rosa Valley, CA | 2,812 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Hidden Hills, CA | 2,265 | 120 | 540 | 660 |
| Casa Conejo, CA | 3,295 | 145 | 620 | 766 |
| Topanga, CA | 8,406 | 171 | 729 | 900 |
| Oak Park, CA | 14,446 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Malibu, CA | 12,620 | 640 | 3,621 | 4,260 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Waconia, MN | 12,623 | 131 | 818 | 949 |
| Leon Valley, TX | 12,611 | 461 | 5,111 | 5,573 |
| New Kensington, PA | 12,633 | 456 | 2,400 | 2,857 |
| Carnot-Moon, PA | 12,602 | 190 | 1,109 | 1,299 |
| Lake City, FL | 12,638 | 308 | 1,637 | 1,945 |
| Malibu, CA | 12,620 | 640 | 3,621 | 4,260 |
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