Malibu, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Malibu, CA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 40% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 429 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 136 chance for property crime. Malibu has lower crime than 76% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Malibu is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B+. Approximately 100% of the city's 27 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Malibu West is one of the safest areas, while Latigo Canyon has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Malibu is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Malibu are Malibu West, Point Dume, Paradise Cove, Malibu Park, and El Nido. 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 Malibu include Latigo Canyon, Malibu Park, and Point Dume. 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 Malibu is 233.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 39% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 429 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.0 per 100K (59% below average); aggravated assault at 177.8 per 100K (34% below average); robbery at 34.5 per 100K (53% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Malibu is 735.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 60% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 136 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 157.5 per 100K (42% below average); larceny/theft at 477.9 per 100K (66% below average); vehicle theft at 99.7 per 100K (69% below average).

Malibu's overall crime rate is 40% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (34% below average), while vehicle theft is 69% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Malibu has lower crime than 76% of them.

Malibu is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 60% below 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 Malibu West, Point Dume, Paradise Cove.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Malibu's crime rate is 40% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Malibu, with an estimated rate of 477.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 66% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (735 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (233 per 100K) in Malibu, which is consistent with national trends.