| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | San Luis Obispo/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,545 | n/a (estimate) | 3,093 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 30 | n/a | 60.1 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 41 | n/a | 82.1 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 141 | n/a | 282.3 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 212 | n/a (estimate) | 424 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 161 | n/a | 322.3 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,097 | n/a | 2,196.3 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 75 | n/a | 150.2 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,333 | n/a (estimate) | 2,669 | 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 San Luis Obispo crime rate is higher than the national average by 46%. Specifically, there were 212 violent crimes in San Luis Obispo, equivalent to 424 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 18.2%. Furthermore, San Luis Obispo recorded 1333 property crimes, amounting to 2669 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 51.6%.
In the latest reported crime year, San Luis Obispo recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
What is the prevailing sentiment among San Luis Obispo residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 73 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 60% of San Luis Obispo residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 40% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo crime rate is 46% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.23 crimes per day - 0.58 violent crimes and 3.65 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in San Luis Obispo has decreased by 15.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not San Luis Obispo 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 increased by 2.4%, while property crime has decreased by 17.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in San Luis Obispo.
In San Luis Obispo, the cost of living is 75.31% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
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. San Luis Obispo has a median home price of $1,214,647, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
In San Luis Obispo, the average rental rates are $2,443 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. 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.
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 | San Luis Obispo | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 78 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Los Ranchos, CA | 1,712 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Avila Beach, CA | 1,494 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Cayucos, CA | 2,290 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Callender, CA | 1,672 | 97 | 415 | 511 |
| Arroyo Grande, CA | 18,441 | 198 | 754 | 952 |
| Blacklake, CA | 815 | 196 | 840 | 1,036 |
| Edna, CA | 418 | 196 | 840 | 1,036 |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | 49,128 | 424 | 2,669 | 3,093 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Monroe, LA | 49,123 | 1,892 | 5,733 | 7,626 |
| Glenview, IL | 49,038 | 151 | 1,210 | 1,361 |
| Dublin, OH | 49,030 | 109 | 916 | 1,025 |
| East Honolulu, HI | 49,017 | 94 | 841 | 935 |
| Marana, AZ | 48,967 | 116 | 1,350 | 1,466 |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | 49,128 | 424 | 2,669 | 3,093 |
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