Palm Desert, CA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 60% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Palm Desert Safe?
Mostly yes — Palm Desert is fairly safe
Crime is slightly below the national average, though some areas may vary.
Palm Desert has a crime rate that is 29% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 424.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like South Palm Desert earn an A safety grade, while Palma Village Groves rates B-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Palm Desert.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 424
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
38% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 90
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
40% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Palm Desert Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
45 | -55% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
31 | -69% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
17 | -83% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
68 | -32% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
55 | -45% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
46 | -54% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Palm Desert Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Palm Desert?
Safety varies dramatically across Palm Desert's 3+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 3Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 2Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 3 neighborhoods in Palm Desert
All Palm Desert Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Palm Desert | A | 180 |
| 2 | Pele Place | A | 192 |
| 3 | Palma Village Groves | B- | 147 |
Palm Desert Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Palm Desert zip codes.
Palm Desert Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Palm Desert, CA?
Palm Desert, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 29% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 424 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 90 chance for property crime. Palm Desert has lower crime than 60% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Palm Desert, CA safe to live in?
Palm Desert is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 100% of the city's 3 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, South Palm Desert is one of the safest areas, while Palma Village Groves has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Palm Desert is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Palm Desert?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Palm Desert are South Palm Desert, Pele Place, and Palma Village Groves. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Palm Desert?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Palm Desert include Palma Village Groves, and South Palm Desert. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Palm Desert?
The estimated violent crime rate in Palm Desert is 235.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 38% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 424 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.2 per 100K (55% below average); aggravated assault at 204.9 per 100K (24% below average); robbery at 23.0 per 100K (69% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Palm Desert?
The estimated property crime rate in Palm Desert is 1,105.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 40% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 90 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 182.3 per 100K (32% below average); larceny/theft at 776.8 per 100K (45% below average); vehicle theft at 145.9 per 100K (54% below average).
How does Palm Desert crime compare to the national average?
Palm Desert's overall crime rate is 29% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (24% below average), while rape is 83% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Palm Desert has lower crime than 60% of them.
Is Palm Desert safe to visit?
Palm Desert is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 40% 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 South Palm Desert, Pele Place, Palma Village Groves.
How does Palm Desert crime compare to the rest of California?
California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Palm Desert's crime rate is 29% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.
What type of crime is most common in Palm Desert?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Palm Desert, with an estimated rate of 776.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 45% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,105 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (236 per 100K) in Palm Desert, which is consistent with national trends.