| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South El Monte/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 698 | n/a (estimate) | 3,701 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 10.6 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 29 | n/a | 153.8 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 57 | n/a | 302.2 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 88 | n/a (estimate) | 467 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 191 | n/a | 1,012.7 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 290 | n/a | 1,537.6 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 129 | n/a | 684.0 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 610 | n/a (estimate) | 3,234 | 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 South El Monte is 74.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 88 violent crimes reported in South El Monte, equivalent to 467 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 29.9%. Additionally, South El Monte recorded 610 property crimes, amounting to 3234 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 83.8%.
South El Monte showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and South El Monte ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 129 vehicle thefts, amounting to 684 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places South El Monte within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 147.
What is the prevailing sentiment among South El Monte residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 9 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 44% of South El Monte 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, 56% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if South El Monte 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. South El Monte has a total crime rate that is 75% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.91 daily crimes (0.24 violent daily crimes and 1.67 daily property crimes) in South El Monte.
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 South El Monte 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 South El Monte has increased by 1.9% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 25.4% and property crime has increased by 7.6%.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower South El Monte crime rates. In South El Monte, the poverty rate stands at 21.1%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In South El Monte, 50.5% 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.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In South El Monte, the average rental rates are $2,044 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

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 | South El Monte | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| San Pasqual, CA | 2,113 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Rose Hills, CA | 2,699 | 87 | 371 | 458 |
| North El Monte, CA | 3,790 | 121 | 518 | 639 |
| Sierra Madre, CA | 11,099 | 209 | 597 | 806 |
| East Pasadena, CA | 6,198 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| La Habra Heights, CA | 5,470 | 171 | 683 | 853 |
| Yorba Linda, CA | 70,241 | 93 | 765 | 858 |
| South El Monte, CA | 21,353 | 467 | 3,234 | 3,701 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lebanon, OH | 21,351 | 118 | 1,087 | 1,205 |
| Dickinson, TX | 21,358 | 214 | 1,056 | 1,270 |
| East Moline, IL | 21,358 | 315 | 2,355 | 2,670 |
| Sidney, OH | 21,359 | 311 | 2,081 | 2,392 |
| Lynn Haven, FL | 21,344 | 142 | 643 | 785 |
| South El Monte, CA | 21,353 | 467 | 3,234 | 3,701 |