Monterey Park, CA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Monterey Park Crime & Safety

Is Monterey Park safe?

Monterey Park earns an overall crime grade of C- for 2026, which means safety is a mixed picture worth understanding in detail. The city of roughly 60,597 residents sits at a population density of 3,049 people per square mile — dense enough that property crime opportunities are higher than in more spread-out suburbs. Violent crime remains relatively contained compared to neighboring Los Angeles communities, but property crimes such as vehicle theft and burglary are the dominant concern. Residents near higher-traffic commercial corridors tend to report more incidents than those in quieter residential pockets. Using the interactive crime map and checking incident breakdowns by neighborhood gives the clearest real-time picture of where risk is concentrated.

What is the crime rate in Monterey Park?

Monterey Park's composite crime grade of C- places it below average for California suburban cities of similar size. Property crime accounts for the large majority of reported incidents citywide — typically representing over 75–80% of all offenses — with theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary leading that category. Violent crime makes up a smaller share, roughly 15–20% of total incidents, with assault being the most frequently reported violent offense. The city's 12% poverty rate and 5.4% unemployment rate are moderate economic stress indicators that correlate with slightly elevated property crime in certain districts. Compared to the broader Los Angeles County average, Monterey Park's violent crime rate is lower, but its property crime rate is on par or slightly above comparable San Gabriel Valley cities.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Monterey Park?

Within Monterey Park, crime is not evenly distributed. Residential areas in the northern and eastern portions of the city — including neighborhoods near Barnes Park and the quieter hillside streets — historically report fewer incidents per capita than the denser commercial zones along Garvey Avenue and Atlantic Boulevard. Those commercial corridors account for a disproportionate share of theft and vehicle-related crimes given their retail density and foot traffic. Neighborhoods closer to Monterey Park High School and the city's established single-family home tracts tend to benefit from stronger community watch engagement, which correlates with lower reported burglary rates. For the most granular view, filtering the crime map by incident type and date range will show you exactly which blocks have seen the most activity in 2026.

Is Monterey Park a good place to live in 2026?

Despite a C- overall crime grade, Monterey Park remains a sought-after address in the San Gabriel Valley for several data-backed reasons. The median household income of $63,389 and median home value of $642,468 reflect a stable, equity-rich housing market — home values have appreciated significantly, signaling long-term resident confidence. The median rent of $1,505 is relatively affordable given the city's proximity to Los Angeles. The 12% poverty rate is a real economic challenge for a portion of residents, but it is lower than many comparable urban-adjacent cities. The city's cultural vibrancy — anchored by one of the largest Chinese-American communities in the U.S. — drives strong local commerce and community cohesion, both of which are proven factors in neighborhood safety. For families and professionals who stay engaged with local crime data and take standard precautions, Monterey Park offers a quality of life that outweighs its moderate crime grade.

How does Monterey Park's crime compare to other Los Angeles County cities?

Monterey Park's C- crime grade puts it in the lower-middle tier among Los Angeles County's 88 municipalities. Cities like San Marino and La Cañada Flintridge consistently earn A or B grades due to lower density and higher median incomes, while cities closer to downtown Los Angeles often score D or F. Monterey Park's population density of 3,049 per square mile is a key driver — denser cities statistically record more incidents simply because more people and more property occupy the same space. Within the San Gabriel Valley specifically, Monterey Park's crime profile is broadly similar to Rosemead and El Monte, though its higher median home value ($642,468) suggests a more economically stable base that can support continued safety improvements over time.

What types of crime are most common in Monterey Park?

Property crime dominates Monterey Park's incident reports, consistent with its C- grade. Theft — including shoplifting, package theft, and theft from vehicles — is the single most reported offense category, likely representing close to 40–45% of all incidents. Motor vehicle theft is a growing concern across the San Gabriel Valley and Monterey Park is no exception, accounting for an estimated 15–20% of property crime reports. Burglary (both residential and commercial) makes up another significant slice. Among violent crimes, simple assault and aggravated assault are the most frequently logged, while robbery incidents — though present — are reported at lower rates. Vandalism and graffiti-related incidents also appear regularly in the data, particularly along commercial strips. Filtering the crime map by these specific categories lets residents see exactly where each offense type clusters in 2026.