Long Beach, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Long Beach, CA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 47% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 189 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 33 chance for property crime. Long Beach has higher crime than 87% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Long Beach has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 80% of the city's 97 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, California State University Long Beach is one of the safest areas, while Paramount (Davenport Park) has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Long Beach is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Long Beach are California State University Long Beach, Starr King (Freeway Circle), Bay Harbor, Pacific Villas, and Slips. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Long Beach include Paramount (Davenport Park), Carmelitos, East Village, Downtown Long Beach, and West Village. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Long Beach is 529.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 39% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 189 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 7.8 per 100K (56% above average); aggravated assault at 367.3 per 100K (37% above average); robbery at 115.5 per 100K (56% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Long Beach is 3,072.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 68% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 33 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 366.0 per 100K (36% above average); larceny/theft at 2,191.6 per 100K (56% above average); vehicle theft at 514.9 per 100K (61% above average).

Long Beach's overall crime rate is 47% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (61% above average), while rape is 16% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Long Beach has higher crime than 87% of them.

Visitors to Long Beach should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 68% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include California State University Long Beach, Starr King (Freeway Circle), Bay Harbor.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Long Beach's crime rate is 47% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Long Beach, with an estimated rate of 2,191.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 56% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,073 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (530 per 100K) in Long Beach, which is consistent with national trends.