Brawley, CA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Brawley, CA

Is Brawley, CA safe?

Brawley earns an overall crime grade of D+, which places it below average for safety compared to most California cities. That said, safety in Brawley varies considerably by neighborhood and time of day. The city's 22.5% unemployment rate and 31.4% poverty rate — both well above state averages — are closely correlated with elevated crime risk in research literature, and those economic pressures are reflected in Brawley's grade. Residents in quieter residential pockets of North Brawley and West Brawley tend to report a more stable day-to-day environment, while areas closer to commercial corridors see a higher concentration of reported incidents. Practicing basic precautions — locking vehicles, using exterior lighting, and staying connected with neighbors — meaningfully reduces personal risk even in a D+ rated city.

What is the crime rate in Brawley?

Brawley's composite crime grade of D+ reflects elevated rates of both property and violent crime relative to similarly sized California cities. Property offenses — including vehicle theft, burglary, and larceny — account for the largest share of reported incidents, a pattern common in communities where the poverty rate exceeds 30%. Brawley's poverty rate sits at 31.4%, and its unemployment rate of 22.5% is more than three times the national average, two socioeconomic indicators that consistently predict higher property crime volumes. Violent crime, while less frequent than property crime, is also above baseline for a city of Brawley's size (25,942 residents). The crime map on this page lets you filter by incident type and date range so you can see exactly where and when different offenses cluster across the city's 1,233 residents-per-square-mile footprint.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Brawley?

Based on reported incident density, the lower-traffic residential stretches of West Brawley and North Brawley consistently show fewer clustered incidents on the crime map compared to the city's commercial and downtown corridors. These areas benefit from lower foot traffic, more owner-occupied housing stock — supported by a median home value of $211,062 — and stronger informal community oversight. By contrast, neighborhoods adjacent to major arterials and the downtown retail zone tend to concentrate property crimes such as theft and vandalism. When evaluating any specific block, use the interactive map above to check the 90-day incident history; a single street can differ significantly from the surrounding neighborhood average. Median rent in Brawley is $840 per month, so relatively affordable options exist even in the calmer residential zones.

Is Brawley a good place to live?

Brawley presents a genuine trade-off. On the affordability side, a median home value of $211,062 and a median rent of just $840 make it one of the more accessible housing markets in California — a real advantage for first-time buyers and budget-conscious renters. The city's population of 25,942 supports a close-knit community feel, and Imperial County's agricultural economy provides a distinct local identity. On the challenge side, an overall crime grade of D+, a poverty rate of 31.4%, and an unemployment rate of 22.5% are meaningful concerns for prospective residents. Median household income stands at $46,177, leaving limited financial cushion for many families. Brawley tends to work best for residents who are employed outside the local economy, are embedded in community networks, or are specifically drawn to the region's affordability and rural character — and who go in with a clear-eyed understanding of the city's D+ safety profile.

How does Brawley's crime grade compare to other Imperial County cities?

Brawley's D+ overall crime grade reflects conditions shaped by some of the most challenging socioeconomic indicators in California. Its 22.5% unemployment rate and 31.4% poverty rate are among the highest in the state, and crime grades in Imperial County cities broadly track those economic realities. While direct grade comparisons to neighboring cities like El Centro or Calexico depend on their own incident data, Brawley's D+ signals that residents should treat crime awareness as a routine part of daily life rather than an occasional concern. Using the crime map regularly — particularly the heat-map view — helps identify which specific corridors account for the bulk of the city's incidents, allowing residents to make informed decisions about routes, parking, and home security investments.

What types of crime are most common in Brawley?

Property crimes dominate Brawley's incident reports, consistent with the city's economic profile. Theft, vehicle break-ins, and residential burglary are the most frequently reported categories, driven in part by a poverty rate of 31.4% — nearly one in three residents lives below the poverty line. Vandalism and drug-related offenses also appear regularly in the incident feed, particularly in commercial zones and areas with higher population density. Violent crimes, including assault, occur at rates above what you'd expect for a city of 25,942 people, contributing to the D+ composite grade. The crime map's type-filter feature lets you isolate any single offense category — such as auto theft or assault — and view its geographic distribution independently, which is the most precise way to assess risk for your specific neighborhood or commute route.