| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Manhattan Beach/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 878 | n/a (estimate) | 2,683 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 3.1 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 15.3 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 16 | n/a | 48.9 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 27 | n/a | 82.5 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 49 | n/a (estimate) | 150 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 134 | n/a | 409.5 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 620 | n/a | 1,894.6 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 75 | n/a | 229.2 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 829 | n/a (estimate) | 2,533 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

The Manhattan Beach crime rates are 26.6% higher 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 49 violent crimes in Manhattan Beach (150 per 100,000 people), which is 58.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 829 property crimes (2533 per 100,000 residents) which is 43.9% higher than average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Manhattan Beach residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 34 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 59% of Manhattan Beach residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 41% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Manhattan Beach 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, Manhattan Beach has an overall crime rate that is 27% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.41 daily occurrences, comprising 0.13 violent crimes and 2.27 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Manhattan Beach as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Manhattan Beach has increased by 5.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Manhattan 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 6.5%, while property crime has increased by 5.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Manhattan Beach is a safe place to live.
In Manhattan Beach, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.3%, 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 Manhattan Beach crime rates.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Manhattan Beach crime rates. Manhattan Beach registers a population density of 9153.1 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Manhattan Beach, 97.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
| Item | Manhattan Beach | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 98 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 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 |
| Rolling Hills, CA | 1,468 | 0 | 62 | 62 |
| Palos Verdes Estates, CA | 13,749 | 24 | 788 | 812 |
| Ladera Heights, CA | 6,655 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Topanga, CA | 8,406 | 171 | 729 | 900 |
| Rancho Palos Verdes, CA | 42,809 | 92 | 883 | 975 |
| View Park-Windsor Hills, CA | 12,000 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Marina del Rey, CA | 10,341 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Manhattan Beach, CA | 36,038 | 150 | 2,533 | 2,683 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Orangevale, CA | 36,046 | 498 | 2,128 | 2,625 |
| Owings Mills, MD | 35,995 | 456 | 2,225 | 2,681 |
| Pleasant Hill, CA | 35,995 | 236 | 4,025 | 4,261 |
| Westmont, CA | 36,088 | 608 | 2,600 | 3,207 |
| Riviera Beach, FL | 35,972 | 943 | 3,631 | 4,574 |
| Manhattan Beach, CA | 36,038 | 150 | 2,533 | 2,683 |