| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Palm Springs/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,733 | n/a (estimate) | 3,817 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 11.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 31 | n/a | 68.3 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 67 | n/a | 147.6 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 171 | n/a | 376.6 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 274 | n/a (estimate) | 603 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 175 | n/a | 385.4 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,069 | n/a | 2,354.3 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 215 | n/a | 473.5 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,459 | n/a (estimate) | 3,213 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
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 Palm Springs is 80.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 274 violent crimes reported in Palm Springs, equivalent to 603 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 68%. Additionally, Palm Springs recorded 1459 property crimes, amounting to 3213 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 82.6%.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Palm Springs stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Palm Springs, a total of 5 murders were reported, equating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Palm Springs has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Palm Springs reported 215 vehicle thefts, which equates to 474 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Palm Springs is 1 in 212.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Palm Springs residents. Out of the respondents (102 in total), 46% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Palm Springs were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 54% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Palm Springs, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Palm Springs presents a total crime rate that is 80% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Palm Springs experiences an average of 4.75 daily crimes, comprising 0.75 violent incidents and 4 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 data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Palm Springs crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Palm Springs has decreased by 11% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 6.6% and property crime has decreased by 13.7%.
In Palm Springs, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.4%, 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 Palm Springs crime rates.
In Palm Springs, 86% 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.
Palm Springs has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.59 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
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 | Palm Springs | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 119 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA | 3,079 | 178 | 763 | 941 |
| Desert Palms, CA | 6,788 | 239 | 1,021 | 1,259 |
| Whitewater, CA | 1,202 | 245 | 1,046 | 1,290 |
| Cabazon, CA | 2,360 | 271 | 1,160 | 1,431 |
| Sky Valley, CA | 2,328 | 276 | 1,179 | 1,455 |
| Cathedral City, CA | 56,625 | 283 | 1,220 | 1,504 |
| Morongo Valley, CA | 3,239 | 301 | 1,289 | 1,590 |
| Palm Springs, CA | 49,537 | 603 | 3,213 | 3,817 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ceres, CA | 49,472 | 397 | 1,848 | 2,245 |
| Wauwatosa, WI | 49,450 | 207 | 2,483 | 2,689 |
| Jeffersonville, IN | 49,450 | 322 | 1,666 | 1,988 |
| Niagara Falls, NY | 49,651 | 501 | 2,808 | 3,309 |
| East Lansing, MI | 49,688 | 220 | 1,220 | 1,440 |
| Palm Springs, CA | 49,537 | 603 | 3,213 | 3,817 |
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