Palmdale, CA Crime Rate & Safety
Higher crime than 75% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Palmdale Safe?
It's average — crime is at the national average
Crime rates are comparable to the national average. Being aware of your surroundings is advisable.
Palmdale has a crime rate that is 13% above the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 242.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Palmdale Regional Airport earn an A+ safety grade, while Desert View Highlands rates B+. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Palmdale.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 242
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
9% higher than national average
Property Crime
1 in 48
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
13% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Palmdale 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
|
109 | +9% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
156 | +56% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
150 | +50% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
124 | +24% | Moderate | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Palmdale Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Palmdale?
Safety varies dramatically across Palmdale's 3+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 3Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 2Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 3 neighborhoods in Palmdale
All Palmdale Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palmdale Regional Airport | A+ | 9 |
| 2 | Rancho Vista | A | 35 |
| 3 | Desert View Highlands | B+ | 128 |
Palmdale Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Palmdale zip codes.
Palmdale Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Palmdale, CA?
Palmdale, CA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 13% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 242 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 48 chance for property crime. Palmdale has higher crime than 75% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Palmdale, CA safe to live in?
Palmdale has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 100% of the city's 3 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Palmdale Regional Airport is one of the safest areas, while Desert View Highlands has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Palmdale is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Palmdale?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Palmdale are Palmdale Regional Airport, Rancho Vista, and Desert View Highlands. 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 Palmdale?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Palmdale include Desert View Highlands, and Rancho Vista. 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 Palmdale?
The estimated violent crime rate in Palmdale is 413.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 9% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 242 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.4 per 100K (9% above average); aggravated assault at 242.4 per 100K (10% below average); robbery at 114.9 per 100K (56% above average).
What is the property crime rate in Palmdale?
The estimated property crime rate in Palmdale is 2,077.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 13% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 48 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 398.1 per 100K (48% above average); larceny/theft at 1,285.7 per 100K (8% below average); vehicle theft at 394.1 per 100K (24% above average).
How does Palmdale crime compare to the national average?
Palmdale's overall crime rate is 13% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is robbery (56% above average), while assault is 10% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Palmdale has higher crime than 75% of them.
Is Palmdale safe to visit?
Visitors to Palmdale should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 13% above 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 Palmdale Regional Airport, Rancho Vista, Desert View Highlands.
How does Palmdale crime compare to the rest of California?
California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Palmdale's crime rate is 13% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.
What type of crime is most common in Palmdale?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Palmdale, with an estimated rate of 1,285.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 8% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,078 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (413 per 100K) in Palmdale, which is consistent with national trends.