B+
0%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
64%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
13%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleCarmel-by-the-Sea/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime65n/a (estimate)2,1172,5642,119
Murder0n/a0.04.55.0
Rape0n/a0.036.637.5
Robbery1n/a32.6119.160.6
Assault3n/a97.7325.8256.1
Violent crime4n/a (estimate)130486359
Burglary7n/a228.0305.8229.2
Theft51n/a1,661.21,345.21,272.1
Vehicle theft3n/a97.7427.5258.8
Property crime61n/a (estimate)1,9872,0781,760

Carmel-by-the-Sea crime map

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The Carmel-by-the-Sea crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Carmel-by-the-Sea as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Carmel-by-the-Sea crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Carmel-by-the-Sea crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

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 Do the Locals Say About Crime in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Carmel-by-the-Sea Increased Since Last Year?

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%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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.

Compare Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Carmel-by-the-Sea crime rates are equal to the national average
      • Violent crimes in Carmel-by-the-Sea are 64% lower than the national average
      • In Carmel-by-the-Sea you have a 1 in 48 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Carmel-by-the-Sea is safer than 45% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Carmel-by-the-Sea has increased by 8%

      Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Carmel-by-the-Sea (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA per 100,000 people. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, the total number of daily crimes is 1.21 times less than the California average and 1.00 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Carmel-by-the-Sea is 3.73 times less than the California average and 2.76 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Carmel-by-the-Sea has a daily crime rate that is 1.05 times less than the California average and 1.13 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Carmel-by-the-Sea (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of Carmel-by-the-Sea to every other city in California, as well as the entirety of the United States, is Carmel-by-the-Sea safe? The gauges above illustrate that Carmel-by-the-Sea is safer than 74% of every city located within California along with 45% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in California and in the United States as a whole. As a result, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is ranked below average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Carmel-by-the-Sea

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Carmel-by-the-Sea is 1 in 768
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Carmel-by-the-Sea is 1 in 51
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Carmel-by-the-Sea is 1 in 48
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Carmel-by-the-Sea, California you have a 1 in 768 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 48 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

        Year Over Year Crime In Carmel-by-the-Sea (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Carmel-by-the-Sea has increased by 2%, while the property crime rate in Carmel-by-the-Sea has increased by 9% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Carmel-by-the-Sea has increased by 8% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Carmel-by-the-Sea police department

        Item Carmel-by-the-Sea California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)n/a51,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a3.63.3

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Del Monte Forest, CA3,92793396488
        Carmel Valley Village, CA4,270126540666
        Pacific Grove, CA15,9591439081,051
        Boronda, CA1,7902339981,231
        Seaside, CA34,7615138331,346
        Marina, CA22,4432911,2421,533
        Monterey, CA29,4103821,7822,164
        Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA3,8901301,9872,117

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Val Verde Park, TX3,8912601,3631,623
        Cozad, NE3,889102306408
        Buckhead, GA3,89162319381
        Carter Lake, IA3,8915604,7485,308
        Brookville, PA3,889231334565
        Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA3,8901301,9872,117
        Source: The Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.