| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Costa Mesa/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,833 | n/a (estimate) | 3,574 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 2.8 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 66 | n/a | 61.5 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 80 | n/a | 74.6 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 642 | n/a | 598.7 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 791 | n/a (estimate) | 738 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 398 | n/a | 371.1 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,341 | n/a | 2,183.1 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 303 | n/a | 282.6 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,042 | n/a (estimate) | 2,837 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Costa Mesa is 68.7% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Costa Mesa, there were 791 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 738 per 100,000 individuals, 105.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 3042 property crimes, amounting to 2837 per 100,000 residents, 61.2% higher than the U.S. average.
Costa Mesa ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 738 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Costa Mesa stand at 1 in every 136 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Costa Mesa residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 62 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 53% of Costa Mesa 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, 47% 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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa crime rate is 69% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 10.5 crimes per day - 2.17 violent crimes and 8.33 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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa has decreased by 5.8% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 62.1% and property crime has decreased by 15.1%.
In Costa Mesa, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.6%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Costa Mesa crime rates.
Costa Mesa has a population density of 7465 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Costa Mesa crime rates.
Costa Mesa has an average rental rate of $2,964 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
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 | Costa Mesa | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 198 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Villa Park, CA | 6,039 | 36 | 713 | 749 |
| Laguna Woods, CA | 16,656 | 60 | 893 | 953 |
| Lake Forest, CA | 86,858 | 146 | 830 | 975 |
| Rossmoor, CA | 12,384 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Aliso Viejo, CA | 51,870 | 135 | 868 | 1,003 |
| Laguna Niguel, CA | 67,631 | 127 | 904 | 1,031 |
| Dana Point, CA | 34,877 | 185 | 873 | 1,058 |
| Costa Mesa, CA | 117,376 | 738 | 2,837 | 3,574 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Murrieta, CA | 117,330 | 184 | 944 | 1,127 |
| Springfield, IL | 117,426 | 901 | 4,911 | 5,813 |
| North Charleston, SC | 117,218 | 810 | 3,956 | 4,766 |
| Carlsbad, CA | 117,067 | 199 | 1,511 | 1,710 |
| Clovis, CA | 117,046 | 245 | 1,666 | 1,910 |
| Costa Mesa, CA | 117,376 | 738 | 2,837 | 3,574 |
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