| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Santa Monica/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,953 | n/a (estimate) | 5,568 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 64 | n/a | 72.0 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 180 | n/a | 202.4 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 444 | n/a | 499.2 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 692 | n/a (estimate) | 778 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 755 | n/a | 848.8 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,009 | n/a | 3,382.9 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 497 | n/a | 558.8 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 4,261 | n/a (estimate) | 4,790 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Santa Monica is 162.8% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Santa Monica, there were 692 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 778 per 100,000 individuals, 116.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 4261 property crimes, amounting to 4790 per 100,000 residents, 172.2% higher than the U.S. average.
Santa Monica has a crime rate of 5568 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 162.76%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Santa Monica. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Santa Monica ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 778 per 100,000 people, Santa Monica is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 129 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Santa Monica, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Santa Monica has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4790 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Santa Monica is 1 in 21, which is far higher than the national average.
With a total of 497 vehicle thefts last year, Santa Monica has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 559 per 100,000 people. This lands Santa Monica in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 179.
AreaVibes surveyed 192 local residents in Santa Monica to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 29% of people answered that there was very little crime in Santa Monica and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 71% 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.
Is Santa Monica a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Santa Monica has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 163%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 13.57 daily incidents, encompassing 1.9 violent crimes and 11.67 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Santa Monica as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Santa Monica has increased by 12.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Santa Monica 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 27.9%, while property crime has increased by 10.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica reports an unemployment rate of 4.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Santa Monica crime rates.
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 Santa Monica, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 4.22 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.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Santa Monica is $2,622,626, compared to a national average of $326,622.
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 | Santa Monica | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 385 | 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 |
| Bell Canyon, CA | 2,062 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Hidden Hills, CA | 2,265 | 120 | 540 | 660 |
| Ladera Heights, CA | 6,655 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Topanga, CA | 8,406 | 171 | 729 | 900 |
| Marina del Rey, CA | 10,341 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| View Park-Windsor Hills, CA | 12,000 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| La Crescenta-Montrose, CA | 20,963 | 204 | 873 | 1,077 |
| Santa Monica, CA | 93,745 | 778 | 4,790 | 5,568 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| San Leandro, CA | 93,731 | 549 | 3,923 | 4,471 |
| Suffolk, VA | 93,841 | 371 | 1,571 | 1,942 |
| Westminster, CA | 93,920 | 436 | 2,498 | 2,934 |
| Deltona, FL | 93,968 | 329 | 1,748 | 2,076 |
| Toms River, NJ | 93,337 | 134 | 1,120 | 1,255 |
| Santa Monica, CA | 93,745 | 778 | 4,790 | 5,568 |
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