| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Carmel-by-the-Sea/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 65 | n/a (estimate) | 2,117 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 32.6 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 97.7 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 130 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 228.0 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 51 | n/a | 1,661.2 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 97.7 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 61 | n/a (estimate) | 1,987 | 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea is 0.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes reported in Carmel-by-the-Sea, equivalent to 130 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 63.7%. Additionally, Carmel-by-the-Sea recorded 61 property crimes, amounting to 1987 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 12.9%.
When assessing the total crime rate in Carmel-by-the-Sea per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Carmel-by-the-Sea, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
During the most recently reported crime year, Carmel-by-the-Sea experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Carmel-by-the-Sea exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1987 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Carmel-by-the-Sea maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Carmel-by-the-Sea residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 28 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 71% of Carmel-by-the-Sea 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, 29% 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea crime rate is 0% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.18 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.17 property crimes.
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea has decreased by 40.9% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 73.3% and property crime has decreased by 35.8%.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Carmel-by-the-Sea crime rates. The population density in Carmel-by-the-Sea is 3601.3 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, the cost of living is 190.58% 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, the median home price stands at $2,848,355, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

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| Item | Carmel-by-the-Sea | 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 |
| Del Monte Forest, CA | 3,927 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Carmel Valley Village, CA | 4,270 | 126 | 540 | 666 |
| Pacific Grove, CA | 15,959 | 143 | 908 | 1,051 |
| Boronda, CA | 1,790 | 233 | 998 | 1,231 |
| Seaside, CA | 34,761 | 513 | 833 | 1,346 |
| Marina, CA | 22,443 | 291 | 1,242 | 1,533 |
| Monterey, CA | 29,410 | 382 | 1,782 | 2,164 |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA | 3,890 | 130 | 1,987 | 2,117 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Val Verde Park, TX | 3,891 | 260 | 1,363 | 1,623 |
| Cozad, NE | 3,889 | 102 | 306 | 408 |
| Buckhead, GA | 3,891 | 62 | 319 | 381 |
| Carter Lake, IA | 3,891 | 560 | 4,748 | 5,308 |
| Brookville, PA | 3,889 | 231 | 334 | 565 |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA | 3,890 | 130 | 1,987 | 2,117 |