Manhattan Beach, CA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Manhattan Beach Crime & Safety

Is Manhattan Beach safe?

Manhattan Beach earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safest cities in Los Angeles County and the broader Southern California region. With a population of approximately 35,064 and a poverty rate of just 3.2%, the socioeconomic conditions that often correlate with higher crime are largely absent here. Violent crime is rare, and the incidents that do occur tend to be minor in nature — think petty theft or occasional vandalism rather than serious offenses. The Manhattan Beach Police Department maintains an active presence throughout neighborhoods like the Sand Section, Hill Section, and Tree Section, and community engagement remains high. For most residents and visitors, day-to-day life in Manhattan Beach feels exceptionally secure.

What is the crime rate in Manhattan Beach?

Manhattan Beach's crime profile reflects its A overall grade — a distinction shared by very few cities of comparable size in California. The city's median household income of $153,926 and median home value of $1,970,740 are strong indicators of the stable, well-resourced community that underpins its low crime environment. Property crime, particularly opportunistic vehicle break-ins and minor thefts, represents the most commonly reported category of incidents, as is typical for affluent coastal communities. Violent crime rates are exceptionally low by both state and national standards. The 5% unemployment rate, while slightly above the city's historical norm, has not translated into a measurable uptick in criminal activity. Residents in neighborhoods like the Hill Section and Tree Section consistently report feeling safe, and the crime map data reinforces that perception.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Manhattan Beach?

Manhattan Beach as a whole grades out at an A for safety, meaning the entire city performs well above average — but some neighborhoods stand out even within that context. The Hill Section, characterized by elevated streets, large lots, and strong neighborhood watch participation, is frequently cited as one of the quietest areas in the city. The Tree Section, named for its tree-lined residential streets, similarly benefits from low foot traffic and a tight-knit community. The Sand Section, located closest to the beach and Manhattan Beach Pier, sees more transient foot traffic during peak summer months, which can correlate with a slightly higher incidence of property-related incidents — though it still performs well above the county average. The East Manhattan Beach area, while further from the coast, also maintains a strong safety profile consistent with the city's overall A grade. For street-level detail, the interactive crime map on this page lets you filter by incident type and date range.

Is Manhattan Beach a good place to live?

By nearly every measurable indicator, Manhattan Beach ranks as one of the premier places to live in Southern California. The city's A crime grade pairs with a median household income of $153,926 — more than double the national median — and a median home value of $1,970,740, reflecting both the desirability and financial stability of the community. The poverty rate sits at a remarkably low 3.2%, and the unemployment rate of 5% remains manageable for a coastal city of this profile. Median rent of $2,582 is steep by most standards but competitive given the quality of life on offer: top-rated schools, walkable access to the beach, a thriving downtown, and a population density of 3,441 per square mile that feels lively without being overwhelming. Families, professionals, and retirees alike are drawn to the combination of safety, amenity, and community that Manhattan Beach consistently delivers.

How does Manhattan Beach compare to other Los Angeles County cities for safety?

Manhattan Beach's A overall crime grade puts it in a select tier of Los Angeles County municipalities. The vast majority of LA County cities score in the C or D range when overall crime rates are benchmarked against national averages, making Manhattan Beach's performance genuinely exceptional. Its low poverty rate of 3.2% — compared to LA County's average of roughly 14% — and its high median household income of $153,926 are key structural factors that contribute to this gap. While neighboring beach cities like Hermosa Beach and El Segundo also perform well, Manhattan Beach's combination of income levels, community policing, and active neighborhood engagement in areas like the Sand Section and Hill Section gives it a consistent edge in year-over-year safety rankings.

What types of crime are most common in Manhattan Beach?

Consistent with its A crime grade, the most prevalent incidents in Manhattan Beach fall into the property crime category rather than violent crime. Opportunistic theft — including vehicle burglaries and theft from unlocked cars — accounts for the largest share of reported incidents, particularly in higher-traffic areas near the beach and downtown. Vandalism and minor disturbances are occasionally reported in the Sand Section during summer months when visitor volume peaks. Residential burglary rates are low across the Hill Section and Tree Section, where home security adoption is high. Violent crimes such as assault or robbery are statistically rare and well below both state and national per-capita averages. This distribution means that standard precautions — locking vehicles, securing valuables, and using home security systems — go a long way toward mitigating the most common risks in the city.