Palm Springs, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Palm Springs, CA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 0% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 317 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 64 chance for property crime. Palm Springs has lower crime than 32% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Palm Springs has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 90% of the city's 39 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Toledo Sierra is one of the safest areas, while Desert Highland Gateway Estates has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Palm Springs is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Palm Springs are Toledo Sierra, Canyon Estates, Indian Canyons, The Mesa, and Canyon Corridor. 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 Palm Springs include Desert Highland Gateway Estates, Racquet Club West, Sunmor, El Mirador, and Sunrise Palms. 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 Palm Springs is 315.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 17% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 317 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.5 per 100K (10% below average); aggravated assault at 268.3 per 100K (0% below average); robbery at 33.4 per 100K (55% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Palm Springs is 1,558.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 15% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 64 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 245.2 per 100K (9% below average); larceny/theft at 1,115.9 per 100K (20% below average); vehicle theft at 197.2 per 100K (38% below average).

Palm Springs's overall crime rate is 0% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (0% below average), while rape is 71% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Palm Springs has lower crime than 32% of them.

Visitors to Palm Springs should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 15% 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 Toledo Sierra, Canyon Estates, Indian Canyons.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Palm Springs's crime rate is 0% below the national average, making it roughly comparable to the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Palm Springs, with an estimated rate of 1,115.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 20% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,558 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (316 per 100K) in Palm Springs, which is consistent with national trends.