C+
37%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
7%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
46%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleImperial Beach/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime377n/a (estimate)1,4542,8432,324
Murder2n/a7.75.76.3
Rape3n/a11.637.440.0
Robbery25n/a96.4123.566.1
Assault73n/a281.5332.8268.2
Violent crime103n/a (estimate)397500370
Burglary35n/a135.0371.9269.8
Theft161n/a620.81,499.31,401.9
Vehicle theft78n/a300.8471.9282.7
Property crime274n/a (estimate)1,0572,3431,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Imperial Beach, CA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Imperial Beach crime rate is 37.5% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Imperial Beach, there were 103 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 397 per 100,000 individuals, 7.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, Imperial Beach recorded 274 property crimes, amounting to 1057 per 100,000 residents, 45.9% lower than the U.S. average.

Imperial Beach exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 397 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Imperial Beach as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Imperial Beach?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Imperial Beach. Based on the results of the surveys (25 responses), 32% of people felt that there was very little crime in Imperial Beach and felt safe walking alone at night. While 68% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Imperial Beach a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach crime rate is 37% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.03 crimes per day - 0.28 violent crimes and 0.75 property crimes.

Has Crime in Imperial Beach Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Imperial Beach has decreased by 0.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Imperial Beach, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 8.4%, while property crime has decreased by 3.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Imperial Beach is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Imperial Beach

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 Imperial Beach crime rates. In Imperial Beach, the poverty rate stands at 16.6%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Imperial Beach crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Imperial Beach has an unemployment rate of 5%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Imperial Beach, there are 0 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Imperial Beach crime map



The Imperial Beach crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Imperial Beach 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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Compare Imperial Beach, CA Crime

      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Imperial Beach crime rates are 37% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Imperial Beach are 7% higher than the national average
      • In Imperial Beach you have a 1 in 69 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Imperial Beach is safer than 35% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Imperial Beach has increased by 6%

      Imperial Beach, CA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Imperial Beach

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        Daily Crime In Imperial Beach (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Imperial Beach on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of California and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Imperial Beach (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to California, are 1.96 times less than the state average and 1.60 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Imperial Beach on a daily basis are 1.26 times less than than California average and 1.07 times more than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Imperial Beach are 2.22 times less than the daily state average and 1.85 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Imperial Beach (higher is better)

        Is Imperial Beach safe in comparison to other cities in the state of California as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Imperial Beach to other cities in the state and across the country, Imperial Beach is 59% safer than other cities of California and 35% safer than other cities in the nation. Imperial Beach has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Imperial Beach

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Imperial Beach is 1 in 252
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Imperial Beach is 1 in 95
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Imperial Beach is 1 in 69
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Imperial Beach, California you have a 1 in 252 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 95 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 69 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Imperial Beach.

        Year Over Year Crime In Imperial Beach (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Imperial Beach, California (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Imperial Beach has increased by 15%, the amount of property crime in Imperial Beach has increased by 3%, and the total amount of crime in Imperial Beach has increased by 6% year over year.

        Imperial Beach police department

        Item Imperial Beach 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
        Jamul, CA5,7762541,1921,447
        Spring Valley CDP (Lake County), CA1,1542701,2651,535
        Chula Vista, CA268,7793511,2771,628
        Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, CA19,3273401,5931,933
        Coronado, CA24,5262841,6591,944
        Bonita, CA12,4703631,7002,063
        San Diego, CA1,414,5454311,8182,248
        Imperial Beach, CA27,3343971,0571,454

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Citrus Park, FL27,3332671,6131,880
        Bixby, OK27,3151041,1011,206
        Round Lake Beach, IL27,313108676784
        Gladstone, MO27,3653152,7343,050
        Bergenfield, NJ27,37543317360
        Imperial Beach, CA27,3343971,0571,454
        Source: The Imperial Beach, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.