| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Gate/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,680 | n/a (estimate) | 4,124 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 26 | n/a | 29.1 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 215 | n/a | 241.0 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 224 | n/a | 251.1 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 469 | n/a (estimate) | 526 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 257 | n/a | 288.0 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,084 | n/a | 2,335.7 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 870 | n/a | 975.1 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,211 | n/a (estimate) | 3,599 | 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 South Gate crime rate is higher than the national average by 94.6%. Specifically, there were 469 violent crimes in South Gate, equivalent to 526 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 46.4%. Furthermore, South Gate recorded 3211 property crimes, amounting to 3599 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 104.5%.
With a crime rate of 4124 per 100,000 residents, South Gate has a crime rate that is 94.63% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in South Gate that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
South Gate has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 3599 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 South Gate is 1 in 28, which is far higher than the national average.
With a total of 870 vehicle thefts last year, South Gate has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 975 per 100,000 people. This lands South Gate in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 103.
What do the local residents think about crime in South Gate? Well, based on a recent survey of 41 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 44% of South Gate residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 56% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether South Gate is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, South Gate has an overall crime rate that is 95% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 10.08 daily occurrences, comprising 1.28 violent crimes and 8.8 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of South Gate as a potential place to establish residency.
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 Gate 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 Gate has increased by 2.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 26.4% and property crime has increased by 9%.
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 Gate crime rates. In South Gate, the poverty rate stands at 15.5%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced South Gate crime rates. South Gate registers a population density of 13440 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In South Gate, the average monthly rent stands at $1,845, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | South Gate | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 114 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.2 | 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 |
| Rolling Hills, CA | 1,468 | 0 | 62 | 62 |
| 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 |
| Palos Verdes Estates, CA | 13,749 | 24 | 788 | 812 |
| East Pasadena, CA | 6,198 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Ladera Heights, CA | 6,655 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| South Gate, CA | 97,255 | 526 | 3,599 | 4,124 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lynn, MA | 97,235 | 575 | 1,171 | 1,745 |
| Sunrise, FL | 97,297 | 252 | 1,342 | 1,594 |
| Lawton, OK | 97,207 | 820 | 2,653 | 3,473 |
| New Bedford, MA | 97,315 | 353 | 1,359 | 1,712 |
| Livonia, MI | 97,392 | 228 | 1,262 | 1,490 |
| South Gate, CA | 97,255 | 526 | 3,599 | 4,124 |