| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Monterey/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 623 | n/a (estimate) | 2,164 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 19 | n/a | 66.0 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 18 | n/a | 62.5 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 73 | n/a | 253.5 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 110 | n/a (estimate) | 382 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 79 | n/a | 274.4 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 407 | n/a | 1,413.6 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 27 | n/a | 93.8 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 513 | n/a (estimate) | 1,782 | 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 Monterey crime rate is higher than the national average by 2.1%. Specifically, there were 110 violent crimes in Monterey, equivalent to 382 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 6.4%. Furthermore, Monterey recorded 513 property crimes, amounting to 1782 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 1.2%.
The Monterey crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Monterey, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
The violent crime rate in Monterey closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 382 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Monterey as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
In the most recently reported crime year, Monterey 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.
Monterey maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Monterey, 1782 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
AreaVibes surveyed 47 local residents in Monterey to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 57% of people answered that there was very little crime in Monterey and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 43% 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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Monterey, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Monterey presents a total crime rate that is 2% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Monterey experiences an average of 1.71 daily crimes, comprising 0.3 violent incidents and 1.41 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Monterey has decreased by 37.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Monterey, 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 14.6%, while property crime has decreased by 43.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Monterey 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 Monterey crime rate. The poverty level in Monterey is 11.5%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In Monterey, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.21 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Monterey are $2,809, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
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 | Monterey | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 63 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| Del Monte Forest, CA | 3,927 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Carmel Valley Village, CA | 4,270 | 126 | 540 | 666 |
| Pacific Grove, CA | 15,959 | 143 | 908 | 1,051 |
| Boronda, CA | 1,790 | 233 | 998 | 1,231 |
| Seaside, CA | 34,761 | 513 | 833 | 1,346 |
| Marina, CA | 22,443 | 291 | 1,242 | 1,533 |
| Prunedale, CA | 20,978 | 362 | 1,547 | 1,909 |
| Monterey, CA | 29,410 | 382 | 1,782 | 2,164 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Agawam Town, MA | 29,397 | 391 | 1,382 | 1,773 |
| Northampton, MA | 29,383 | 445 | 1,272 | 1,717 |
| Vero Beach South, FL | 29,379 | 201 | 1,067 | 1,267 |
| Burbank, IL | 29,451 | 198 | 1,965 | 2,163 |
| East Haven, CT | 29,456 | 98 | 1,953 | 2,051 |
| Monterey, CA | 29,410 | 382 | 1,782 | 2,164 |
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