| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Monterey/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 784 | n/a (estimate) | 2,639 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 3.4 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 40.4 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 19 | n/a | 64.0 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 79 | n/a | 265.9 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 111 | n/a (estimate) | 374 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 84 | n/a | 282.7 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 537 | n/a | 1,807.5 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 52 | n/a | 175.0 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 673 | n/a (estimate) | 2,265 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Monterey is 13.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 111 violent crimes reported in Monterey, equivalent to 374 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 1%. Additionally, Monterey recorded 673 property crimes, amounting to 2265 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 15.9%.
When assessing the total crime rate in Monterey per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Monterey, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
Monterey exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 374 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Monterey as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
AreaVibes surveyed 45 local residents in Monterey to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 56% of people answered that there was very little crime in Monterey and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 44% 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Monterey a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Monterey crime rate is 14% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.15 crimes per day - 0.3 violent crimes and 1.84 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Monterey has decreased by 21.5%. 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 15.6%, while property crime has decreased by 25.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Monterey is a safe place to live.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Monterey, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
In Monterey, 92.5% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Monterey has a median home price of $813,600, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| 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 | 3,783 | 130 | 609 | 738 |
| Carmel Valley Village, CA | 4,175 | 130 | 609 | 738 |
| Elkhorn, CA | 998 | 149 | 698 | 847 |
| Pacific Grove, CA | 15,471 | 87 | 778 | 866 |
| Seaside, CA | 34,063 | 421 | 1,237 | 1,657 |
| Marina, CA | 21,966 | 327 | 1,859 | 2,185 |
| Salinas, CA | 156,177 | 521 | 1,677 | 2,198 |
| Monterey, CA | 28,575 | 374 | 2,265 | 2,639 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Granite City, IL | 28,563 | 653 | 2,556 | 3,208 |
| Schererville, IN | 28,559 | 160 | 807 | 966 |
| Northampton, MA | 28,552 | 391 | 1,245 | 1,636 |
| Burton, MI | 28,598 | 824 | 2,523 | 3,347 |
| Lake in the Hills, IL | 28,617 | 55 | 290 | 345 |
| Monterey, CA | 28,575 | 374 | 2,265 | 2,639 |
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