Palm Desert, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Palm Desert, CA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Palm Desert is 82.8% 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 Palm Desert, there were 182 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 351 per 100,000 individuals, 5.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 2024 property crimes, amounting to 3898 per 100,000 residents, 99.5% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 4249 crimes per 100,000 people, the Palm Desert crime rates stand at 82.82 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Palm Desert, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Palm Desert has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 351 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

Palm Desert faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3898 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Palm Desert stands at 1 in 26, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Palm Desert faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 244 vehicle thefts, translating to 470 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Palm Desert in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 213.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Palm Desert?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Palm Desert residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 40 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 65% of Palm Desert 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, 35% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Palm Desert a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Palm Desert, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Palm Desert presents a total crime rate that is 83% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Palm Desert experiences an average of 6.04 daily crimes, comprising 0.5 violent incidents and 5.55 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Palm Desert Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Palm Desert. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Palm Desert has increased by 30.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 45.6%, while property crimes have increased by 29.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Palm Desert

Palm Desert reports an unemployment rate of 2.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Palm Desert crime rates.

Palm Desert has a population density of 1980 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 Palm Desert crime rates.

In Palm Desert, 90% 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.

Palm Desert crime map