Pacific Grove, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Pacific Grove, 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 396 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 97 chance for property crime. Pacific Grove has lower crime than 75% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Pacific Grove is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B+. Approximately 100% of the city's 17 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Sunset Drive is one of the safest areas, while Seaview has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Pacific Grove is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Pacific Grove are Sunset Drive, Country Club Gate / Forest Grove, Hillcrest, Country Club Heights, and Beach Tract / Fairway Homes. 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 Pacific Grove include Seaview, Del Monte Park, Asomilar Dunes, First Addition, and Second Addition. 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 Pacific Grove is 252.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 34% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 396 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.7 per 100K (47% below average); aggravated assault at 224.8 per 100K (16% below average); robbery at 19.4 per 100K (74% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Pacific Grove is 1,029.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 44% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 97 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 148.6 per 100K (45% below average); larceny/theft at 724.2 per 100K (48% below average); vehicle theft at 156.9 per 100K (51% below average).

Pacific Grove's overall crime rate is 40% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (16% below average), while rape is 84% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Pacific Grove has lower crime than 75% of them.

Pacific Grove is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 44% 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 Sunset Drive, Country Club Gate / Forest Grove, Hillcrest.

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

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Pacific Grove, with an estimated rate of 724.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 48% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,030 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (252 per 100K) in Pacific Grove, which is consistent with national trends.