Santa Monica, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Santa Monica, CA

The Santa Monica crime rates are 131.7% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 765 violent crimes in Santa Monica (854 per 100,000 people), which is 131.1% higher than the national average and there were a total of 4057 property crimes (4532 per 100,000 residents) which is 131.9% higher than average.

Santa Monica has a crime rate of 5386 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 131.74%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Santa Monica. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

Santa Monica ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 854 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 Santa Monica stand at 1 in every 118 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

Santa Monica faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4532 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 Santa Monica stands at 1 in 23, 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 Santa Monica faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 569 vehicle thefts, translating to 636 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Santa Monica 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 158.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Santa Monica?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Santa Monica. Based on the results of the surveys (186 responses), 30% of people felt that there was very little crime in Santa Monica and felt safe walking alone at night. While 70% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Santa Monica a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Santa Monica is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Santa Monica has an overall crime rate that is 132% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 13.21 daily occurrences, comprising 2.1 violent crimes and 11.12 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Santa Monica as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica has increased by 9.8% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 41.4% and property crime has increased by 5.3%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Santa Monica

In Santa Monica, 93.9% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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.

In Santa Monica, the cost of living is 120.21% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Santa Monica are $1,900, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Santa Monica crime map