Santa Monica, CA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Monica Crime

Is Santa Monica safe?

Santa Monica earns an overall crime grade of C+, but its neighborhood-level picture is notably better: the city-wide safety rating is B (Safe). Across the nine neighborhoods analyzed, 44.4% received an A grade and 55.6% received a B grade — meaning 100% of Santa Monica neighborhoods fall in the safe A–B range, with zero neighborhoods graded C, D, or F. The safest areas, including North of Montana (A) and Northeast (A), report very few incidents relative to their populations. Even the lowest-ranked neighborhoods — Pico (B-), Downtown Santa Monica (B-), and South Beach (B-) — still sit firmly in the safe category. For context, a B- in Santa Monica still reflects a community with meaningfully lower crime exposure than most U.S. cities of comparable size and density.

What is the crime rate in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica's overall crime grade is C+, which reflects the city's elevated property-crime exposure common to high-traffic coastal destinations. However, at the neighborhood level the data is more encouraging: four of nine neighborhoods (44.4%) earned an A grade, and the remaining five (55.6%) earned a B grade. No neighborhood scored below a B-. The highest-safety neighborhoods — North of Montana (median income $198,268, grade A) and Northeast (median income $136,951, grade A) — report the fewest incidents per capita. The relatively higher-crime pockets are concentrated in Downtown Santa Monica (B-) and Pico (B-), two areas with greater commercial activity and foot traffic, which typically correlates with higher opportunistic property crime. The city's population density of 4,205 residents per square mile and its status as a major tourist destination both contribute to the citywide C+ figure even as most residential neighborhoods remain safe.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Santa Monica?

Based on the crime map data, the five safest neighborhoods in Santa Monica are:

• North of Montana — Grade A: With a population of about 10,341 and a median household income of $198,268, this is Santa Monica's top-ranked neighborhood for safety. Low density, high income, and a tight-knit residential character all contribute to its A rating.
• Northeast — Grade A: Home to roughly 3,991 residents and a median income of $136,951, the Northeast neighborhood pairs a small population with strong safety outcomes and an A grade.
• Ocean Park — Grade A-: At 10,914 residents and a median income of $106,056, Ocean Park blends beach-adjacent living with above-average safety, earning a strong A- grade.
• Wilshire / Montana — Grade A-: The largest of the top-five safest neighborhoods at 19,704 residents, Wilshire / Montana posts an A- grade despite its size, supported by a median income of $97,457 close to the citywide median of $98,300.
• Sunset Park — Grade B+: With 15,182 residents and a median income of $103,796, Sunset Park is the fifth-safest area and a strong B+ performer, making it a practical choice for families seeking safety without the premium price tag of North of Montana.

Which parts of Santa Monica have higher crime?

Even Santa Monica's relatively higher-crime areas are graded B- to B — still within the safe range — but they do show elevated incident rates compared to the city's A-grade neighborhoods. The areas to be more aware of include:

• Pico (B-): The most populous of the lower-ranked neighborhoods at 13,720 residents, Pico has a median income of $67,557 — roughly 31% below the citywide median — and posts a B- grade. Property crime and vehicle-related incidents are the most common concern in this corridor.
• Downtown Santa Monica (B-): With only 2,006 residents but enormous daily foot traffic from tourists, shoppers, and the Third Street Promenade, Downtown earns a B- grade. Its high visitor volume makes it a focal point for opportunistic theft and petty crime.
• South Beach (B-): Despite a tiny permanent population of just 132 residents, South Beach grades at B-, likely reflecting the outsized impact of transient beach visitors on incident counts relative to its small residential base.
• Mid-City (B): Home to 12,972 residents with a median income of $88,125, Mid-City holds a solid B grade — meaningfully safer than the B- areas but worth noting for those comparing neighborhoods closely.

In all cases, these grades reflect relative differences within a city that scores 100% of its neighborhoods at B or above. Standard precautions — securing vehicles, avoiding leaving valuables visible, and staying aware in busy public areas — go a long way in these zones.

Is Santa Monica a good place to live?

By most measurable indicators, Santa Monica ranks as an excellent place to live. The city's median household income of $98,300 sits well above national averages, and its median home value of $1,446,540 reflects sustained demand from residents who value its coastal location and quality of life. The poverty rate of 10.1% and unemployment rate of 6.3% are moderate for a California coastal city, and the overall economy remains diverse and resilient. From a safety standpoint, all nine analyzed neighborhoods grade B or higher, and nearly half (44.4%) earn an A. Neighborhoods like North of Montana and Wilshire / Montana offer some of the safest residential environments in greater Los Angeles. The citywide C+ overall crime grade reflects the reality of being a dense, high-traffic tourist destination, but residents in Santa Monica's quieter neighborhoods experience day-to-day safety conditions more consistent with the B safety rating. For families, professionals, and retirees who prioritize safety alongside walkability, beach access, and urban amenities, Santa Monica consistently delivers.