| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Pacifica/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 519 | n/a (estimate) | 1,451 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 30.8 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 8.4 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 38 | n/a | 106.3 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 52 | n/a (estimate) | 145 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 15 | n/a | 41.9 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 409 | n/a | 1,143.8 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 43 | n/a | 120.2 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 467 | n/a (estimate) | 1,306 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

The Pacifica crime rates are 31.5% lower 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 52 violent crimes in Pacifica (145 per 100,000 people), which is 59.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 467 property crimes (1306 per 100,000 residents) which is 25.8% lower than average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Pacifica 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.
AreaVibes surveyed 37 local residents in Pacifica to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 84% of people answered that there was very little crime in Pacifica and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 16% 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 Pacifica, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Pacifica presents a total crime rate that is 32% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Pacifica experiences an average of 1.42 daily crimes, comprising 0.14 violent incidents and 1.28 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Pacifica has decreased by 34.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Pacifica is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 36.6%, while property crime has decreased by 34.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Pacifica.
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 Pacifica crime rates. Pacifica registers a population density of 3129.5 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Pacifica, 92.4% 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.
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 Pacifica, the cost of living is 119.92% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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| Item | Pacifica | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 37 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.0 | 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 |
| Montara, CA | 2,902 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Moss Beach, CA | 3,550 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| West Menlo Park, CA | 3,818 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Emerald Lake Hills, CA | 5,043 | 126 | 540 | 666 |
| Highlands-Baywood Park, CA | 4,411 | 126 | 540 | 666 |
| Foster City, CA | 34,247 | 69 | 669 | 739 |
| Hillsborough, CA | 11,923 | 93 | 680 | 774 |
| Pacifica, CA | 39,629 | 145 | 1,306 | 1,451 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hurst, TX | 39,602 | 354 | 2,237 | 2,592 |
| Kendall West, FL | 39,549 | 199 | 1,056 | 1,255 |
| Clovis, NM | 39,532 | 865 | 3,320 | 4,185 |
| Pahrump, NV | 39,506 | 456 | 2,492 | 2,948 |
| Olive Branch, MS | 39,759 | 199 | 1,359 | 1,558 |
| Pacifica, CA | 39,629 | 145 | 1,306 | 1,451 |