| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Lake Tahoe/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 472 | n/a (estimate) | 2,247 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 61.9 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 42.8 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 143 | n/a | 680.8 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 165 | n/a (estimate) | 786 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 40 | n/a | 190.4 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 244 | n/a | 1,161.6 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 23 | n/a | 109.5 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 307 | n/a (estimate) | 1,462 | 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 Lake Tahoe crime rate is higher than the national average by 6%. Specifically, there were 165 violent crimes in South Lake Tahoe, equivalent to 786 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 118.8%. Furthermore, South Lake Tahoe recorded 307 property crimes, amounting to 1462 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 17%.
The South Lake Tahoe crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in South Lake Tahoe, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
South Lake Tahoe has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 786 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, South Lake Tahoe falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 128 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
In the latest reported crime year, South Lake Tahoe 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.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of South Lake Tahoe residents. Out of the respondents (35 in total), 34% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in South Lake Tahoe were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 66% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if South Lake Tahoe 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 Lake Tahoe has a total crime rate that is 6% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.29 daily crimes (0.45 violent daily crimes and 0.84 daily property crimes) in South Lake Tahoe.
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 Lake Tahoe 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 Lake Tahoe has decreased by 12.3% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 48.7% and property crime has decreased by 28.1%.
In South Lake Tahoe, 80.9% 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.
In South Lake Tahoe, the cost of living is 26.85% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
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 South Lake Tahoe is $755,296, 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 | South Lake Tahoe | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 55 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| East Valley, NV | 1,673 | 56 | 308 | 365 |
| Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA | 1,636 | 74 | 317 | 391 |
| Kingsbury, NV | 2,094 | 63 | 345 | 408 |
| Minden, NV | 3,539 | 77 | 418 | 495 |
| Tahoma, CA | 1,072 | 119 | 508 | 627 |
| Johnson Lane, NV | 6,225 | 131 | 714 | 845 |
| Indian Hills, NV | 6,324 | 156 | 851 | 1,007 |
| South Lake Tahoe, CA | 23,049 | 786 | 1,462 | 2,247 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Middletown, DE | 23,057 | 125 | 1,543 | 1,668 |
| Cockeysville, MD | 23,095 | 370 | 1,807 | 2,177 |
| Waynesboro, VA | 23,002 | 245 | 1,517 | 1,762 |
| Hudson, OH | 22,996 | 35 | 475 | 510 |
| Munster, IN | 23,103 | 51 | 1,029 | 1,080 |
| South Lake Tahoe, CA | 23,049 | 786 | 1,462 | 2,247 |
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