Monterey, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Monterey, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 22% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 328 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 65 chance for property crime. Monterey has lower crime than 52% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Monterey is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 88% of the city's 16 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Fisherman Flats is one of the safest areas, while Villa Del Monte has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Monterey is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Monterey are Fisherman Flats, Aguajito Oaks, Deer Flats, Skyline Ridge, and Skyline Forest. 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 Monterey include Villa Del Monte, Casnova Oak Knoll, Oak Grove, Old Town, and Del Monte Grove Laguna Grande. 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 Monterey is 304.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 20% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 328 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.4 per 100K (33% below average); aggravated assault at 246.1 per 100K (8% below average); robbery at 39.7 per 100K (46% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Monterey is 1,538.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 16% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 65 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 188.6 per 100K (30% below average); larceny/theft at 1,155.1 per 100K (18% below average); vehicle theft at 195.0 per 100K (39% below average).

Monterey's overall crime rate is 22% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (8% below average), while rape is 54% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Monterey has lower crime than 52% of them.

Monterey is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 16% 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 Fisherman Flats, Aguajito Oaks, Deer Flats.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Monterey's crime rate is 22% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Monterey, with an estimated rate of 1,155.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 18% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,539 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (305 per 100K) in Monterey, which is consistent with national trends.