| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Pismo Beach/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 188 | n/a (estimate) | 2,377 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 12.6 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 88.5 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 50.6 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 17 | n/a | 214.9 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 367 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 88.5 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 144 | n/a | 1,820.5 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 101.1 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 159 | n/a (estimate) | 2,010 | 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 Pismo Beach crime rate is higher than the national average by 12.2%. Specifically, there were 29 violent crimes in Pismo Beach, equivalent to 367 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 2.1%. Furthermore, Pismo Beach recorded 159 property crimes, amounting to 2010 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 14.2%.
When evaluating the Pismo Beach crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Pismo Beach crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
Pismo Beach exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 367 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Pismo Beach as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Pismo Beach ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Pismo Beach, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 13 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
Pismo Beach exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 2010 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Pismo Beach maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Pismo Beach. Based on the results of the surveys (21 responses), 43% of people felt that there was very little crime in Pismo Beach and felt safe walking alone at night. While 57% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Pismo Beach 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 Pismo Beach crime rate is 12% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.52 crimes per day - 0.08 violent crimes and 0.44 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Pismo Beach. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Pismo Beach has decreased by 47.5%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 48.2%, while property crime has decreased by 47.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Pismo Beach.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Pismo Beach, 94.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
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 Pismo Beach, the cost of living is 87.27% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Pismo Beach, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 4.23 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
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 | Pismo Beach | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 33 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.2 | 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 |
| Avila Beach, CA | 1,494 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Los Ranchos, CA | 1,712 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Woodlands, CA | 2,417 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Callender, CA | 1,672 | 97 | 415 | 511 |
| Guadalupe, CA | 7,848 | 91 | 491 | 582 |
| Arroyo Grande, CA | 18,441 | 198 | 754 | 952 |
| Edna, CA | 418 | 196 | 840 | 1,036 |
| Pismo Beach, CA | 8,306 | 367 | 2,010 | 2,377 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Larkfield-Wikiup, CA | 8,307 | 260 | 1,112 | 1,373 |
| Oak Island, NC | 8,308 | 132 | 691 | 822 |
| Laughlin, NV | 8,310 | 382 | 2,086 | 2,468 |
| Whitmore Lake, MI | 8,299 | 159 | 505 | 664 |
| Rolling Hills Estates, CA | 8,314 | 101 | 1,546 | 1,646 |
| Pismo Beach, CA | 8,306 | 367 | 2,010 | 2,377 |
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