| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Palm Springs/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,571 | n/a (estimate) | 5,655 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 11.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 33 | n/a | 72.6 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 67 | n/a | 147.4 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 213 | n/a | 468.5 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 318 | n/a (estimate) | 699 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 394 | n/a | 866.6 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,430 | n/a | 3,145.4 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 429 | n/a | 943.6 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 2,253 | n/a (estimate) | 4,956 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
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 Palm Springs crime rate is higher than the national average by 143.3%. Specifically, there were 318 violent crimes in Palm Springs, equivalent to 699 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 89.2%. Furthermore, Palm Springs recorded 2253 property crimes, amounting to 4956 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 153.6%.
With a total of 5655 crimes per 100,000 people, the Palm Springs crime rates stand at 143.32 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Palm Springs, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Palm Springs ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Palm Springs, there were a total of 5 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
Every year, one in 21 people fall victim to a property crime in Palm Springs - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4956 per 100,000 people, Palm Springs has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
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 429 vehicle thefts, which equates to 944 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 106.
AreaVibes surveyed 95 local residents in Palm Springs to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 43% of people answered that there was very little crime in Palm Springs and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 57% 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 determine if Palm Springs is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Palm Springs has a total crime rate that is 143% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 7.04 daily crimes (0.87 violent daily crimes and 6.17 daily property crimes) in Palm Springs.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Palm Springs has increased by 32.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Palm Springs, 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 23.7%, while property crime has increased by 33.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Palm Springs is a safe place to live.
In Palm Springs, the poverty rate currently stands at 16.4%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in 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.
In Palm Springs, the average rental rates are $1,199 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| 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 | 2,963 | 228 | 1,068 | 1,296 |
| Sky Valley, CA | 2,274 | 294 | 1,379 | 1,674 |
| Desert Palms, CA | 6,599 | 345 | 1,619 | 1,964 |
| Morongo Valley, CA | 3,166 | 351 | 1,643 | 1,994 |
| Desert Edge, CA | 3,480 | 381 | 1,785 | 2,166 |
| Desert Hot Springs, CA | 29,280 | 665 | 1,540 | 2,205 |
| Bermuda Dunes, CA | 6,626 | 426 | 1,996 | 2,422 |
| Palm Springs, CA | 48,390 | 699 | 4,956 | 5,655 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Saginaw, MI | 48,407 | 2,119 | 2,050 | 4,169 |
| Ceres, CA | 48,355 | 517 | 2,163 | 2,680 |
| East Lansing, MI | 48,437 | 266 | 1,779 | 2,045 |
| Cedar Hill, TX | 48,337 | 167 | 1,883 | 2,050 |
| Bozeman, MT | 48,330 | 296 | 1,779 | 2,075 |
| Palm Springs, CA | 48,390 | 699 | 4,956 | 5,655 |
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