El Segundo, CA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in El Segundo, CA

Is El Segundo safe?

El Segundo earns an overall crime grade of B+, making it one of the safer communities in the greater Los Angeles area. That grade reflects a city where violent crime is relatively uncommon and property crime rates remain well below regional norms. With a population of approximately 16,575 spread across a modest footprint of about 14 square miles, the city maintains a low population density of roughly 1,171 residents per square mile — a factor that generally correlates with lower crime concentration. Residential streets near El Segundo Beach and the downtown corridor around Main Street consistently see fewer incidents than comparable coastal communities. While no city is entirely crime-free, El Segundo's B+ grade signals that the vast majority of residents and visitors experience day-to-day life here without encountering serious safety concerns.

What is the crime rate in El Segundo?

El Segundo's B+ overall crime grade places it in the top tier of safety among California cities of similar size. The city's strong socioeconomic profile — a median household income of $115,846 and a poverty rate of just 5% — correlates directly with lower crime incidence, since economic stability is one of the strongest predictors of community safety. Property crimes such as vehicle burglary and opportunistic theft account for the largest share of reported incidents, which is typical for cities near major transit corridors like Los Angeles International Airport. Violent crimes represent a notably small fraction of total reports. The unemployment rate of 6.6% is slightly elevated compared to the city's historical norms, worth monitoring, but it has not meaningfully shifted the overall B+ safety picture. Taken together, El Segundo's crime rate sits comfortably below the national average for cities in its population and income bracket.

What are the safest neighborhoods in El Segundo?

El Segundo is a compact city, and safety conditions are relatively consistent across most of its residential areas. That said, some zones stand out for especially low incident rates. The beachside residential blocks near El Segundo Beach benefit from high homeownership rates and strong neighbor-to-neighbor familiarity — both proven deterrents to crime. The tree-lined streets in the downtown residential pocket around Main Street and Grand Avenue also record fewer incidents, supported by frequent foot traffic and active community engagement. Areas adjacent to Recreation Park and the school zones along Mariposa Avenue tend to see very low violent-crime figures. The commercial corridors closer to Sepulveda Boulevard and the areas immediately bordering the airport perimeter account for a disproportionate share of property-crime reports — primarily vehicle break-ins — so exercising standard precautions (locking cars, removing valuables) in those zones is advisable. Overall, El Segundo's B+ grade reflects a city where even its busier corridors remain manageable from a safety standpoint.

Is El Segundo a good place to live?

By nearly every measurable indicator, El Segundo ranks as an excellent place to live. The city's B+ crime grade pairs with a median household income of $115,846 — well above the California median — and a poverty rate of only 5%, signaling a financially stable, low-stress community. Median home values of $1,191,400 reflect sustained demand, while a median rent of $2,022 is competitive for the South Bay coastal market. The unemployment rate of 6.6% is the one figure worth watching, though it is partly influenced by the city's proximity to sectors that experienced post-pandemic workforce shifts. Families are drawn to El Segundo for its walkable downtown, direct beach access, top-rated schools, and a tight-knit community culture that actively participates in neighborhood watch programs. Professionals value the short commute to major aerospace, tech, and entertainment employers clustered along the I-405 corridor. When you stack the B+ safety grade against the quality-of-life metrics, El Segundo consistently emerges as one of the most well-rounded small cities in Los Angeles County.

How does El Segundo's crime grade compare to nearby cities?

El Segundo's B+ overall crime grade is notably strong for a city embedded in the dense Los Angeles metro area. Many neighboring communities along the South Bay and within LA County score in the C or C+ range due to higher population densities and broader economic disparities. El Segundo's combination of a 5% poverty rate, a median income exceeding $115,000, and a relatively small, engaged population of 16,575 gives it a structural safety advantage. Property crime — the dominant crime category in most coastal California cities — is present in El Segundo but at rates that keep the city firmly in B+ territory. For context, cities with comparable populations but higher poverty rates or greater transient traffic often land a full letter grade lower. El Segundo's airport adjacency does introduce some property-crime pressure, particularly auto burglary near parking areas, but the city's responsive police department and active community programs prevent that pressure from dragging the overall grade below B+.

What types of crime are most common in El Segundo?

Consistent with its B+ crime grade, El Segundo's incident profile is dominated by property crimes rather than violent offenses. Vehicle burglary and theft from unattended cars — especially in lots and streets near the airport corridor and Sepulveda Boulevard — represent the most frequently reported category. Petty theft and shoplifting from commercial areas around Main Street and the retail zones near Manhattan Beach Boulevard make up another significant share of reports. Vandalism incidents are scattered but remain low in absolute numbers given the city's small population of 16,575. Violent crimes — including assault and robbery — account for a small minority of total incidents and are not concentrated in any single neighborhood. The city's 5% poverty rate and high median income of $115,846 help suppress the economic drivers that typically elevate violent crime. Residents can use El Segundo's crime map to track these incident types by category and time period, allowing for targeted awareness rather than generalized concern.