Palm Springs, CA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Springs Crime

Is Palm Springs safe in 2026?

Palm Springs earns an overall crime grade of C+ city-wide, but a closer look at the neighborhood breakdown tells a more reassuring story: 90% of the city's 39 analyzed neighborhoods are rated Grade A or B, and the city-wide safety rating is B (Safe). Specifically, 30.8% of neighborhoods hold a Grade A and 59% hold a Grade B. Only 10.3% — four neighborhoods — fall into the Grade C range, and not a single neighborhood received a D or F. Areas like Toledo Sierra, Canyon Estates, and Indian Canyons all carry Grade A ratings, making them among the most secure communities in the Coachella Valley. Visitors and residents who stay informed and choose neighborhoods wisely can feel confident about their safety in Palm Springs.

What types of crime are most common in Palm Springs?

Based on 11,875 reported incidents over the last 90 days, the crime landscape in Palm Springs is dominated by property and quality-of-life offenses. Theft is the single largest category at 29% (3,429 incidents), followed closely by assault at 27% (3,160 incidents) — together these two categories account for more than half of all reported crime. Vandalism represents 12% (1,430 incidents), making it the third most common offense. Burglary accounts for 9% (1,065 incidents), while retail theft adds another 6% (722 incidents). Less prevalent but still noteworthy are drug offenses at 3% (370 incidents) and shootings at 3% (360 incidents). The remaining 11% falls into miscellaneous categories. The relatively high share of theft and assault underscores the importance of property security and situational awareness, particularly in neighborhoods rated Grade C such as Desert Highland Gateway Estates and Racquet Club West.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Palm Springs?

Twelve of Palm Springs' 39 neighborhoods — 30.8% of the city — carry a Grade A safety rating. The top performers include Toledo Sierra (Grade A, median income $95,061), Canyon Estates (Grade A, median income $95,086), and Indian Canyons (Grade A, median income $95,754). Other Grade A communities include The Mesa, Canyon Corridor, and Twin Palms, with incomes ranging from roughly $48,000 to $69,000 — demonstrating that top safety ratings aren't limited to the wealthiest pockets of the city. Just below the A tier, neighborhoods earning Grade A- include Andreas Hills (median income $107,632), South of Movie Colony, Deepwell Estates (median income $74,508), and Taquitz River Estates. With 23 additional neighborhoods rated Grade B, the vast majority of Palm Springs offers a low-risk living environment.

Which Palm Springs neighborhoods have higher crime rates?

Four neighborhoods account for the entirety of Palm Springs' Grade C ratings — 0% of neighborhoods received a D or F, which is a meaningful distinction. The areas with the most elevated crime levels are Desert Highland Gateway Estates (Grade C) and Racquet Club West (Grade C), followed by Sunmor (Grade C+) and El Mirador (Grade C+). Sunrise Palms earns a Grade B- and sits just above this group. Given that theft (29% of incidents) and assault (27%) are the city's most common crime types, residents in these neighborhoods should pay particular attention to property security and be mindful of their surroundings. That said, even the highest-crime neighborhoods in Palm Springs fall only into the C range — a reflection of the city's relatively contained crime distribution.

What is the crime rate in Palm Springs compared to similar cities?

Palm Springs carries an overall crime grade of C+, which reflects the reality that while most of its neighborhoods are safe, the city does experience a meaningful volume of incidents — 11,875 reported crimes in just 90 days across a population of approximately 48,390. That translates to a notably active crime environment relative to the city's size. Contributing factors include an unemployment rate of 8.4% and a poverty rate of 16.4%, both of which are above typical California benchmarks. However, the neighborhood-level data is considerably more optimistic: 90% of neighborhoods are Grade A or B, meaning that crime is not evenly distributed — it is concentrated in a small subset of areas. Residents who prioritize Grade A neighborhoods like Canyon Corridor or Deepwell Estates experience a meaningfully different safety environment than the city-wide C+ grade might suggest.

Is Palm Springs a good place to live in 2026?

Palm Springs presents a nuanced picture for prospective residents. On the positive side, 90% of its 39 neighborhoods earn a Grade A or B safety rating, the city offers a median home value of $404,359 and a median rent of $1,199, and its desert lifestyle, arts community, and outdoor recreation remain major draws. The median household income of $57,916 supports a comfortable lifestyle in many parts of the city. On the other hand, a C+ overall crime grade, an 8.4% unemployment rate, and a 16.4% poverty rate are factors worth weighing. The key takeaway from the crime data is neighborhood selection: communities like Indian Canyons, Taquitz River Estates, and Twin Palms offer Grade A safety alongside diverse income profiles, while areas like Desert Highland Gateway Estates require more caution. For buyers and renters who do their homework using tools like this crime map, Palm Springs can absolutely be a rewarding place to call home.