Pacific Beach Neighborhood, San Diego

Crime Rate & Statistics

A-

Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories

Safer than 62% of neighborhoods in San Diego

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 149 / 300 High
Violent Crime 143
43% above national avg
Property Crime 146
46% above national avg
City Ranking
62%
safer than other
San Diego neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in San Diego

Is Pacific Beach Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Pacific Beach in San Diego, CA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 149, which is 49% above the national average of 100. Pacific Beach is safer than 62% of neighborhoods in San Diego.

Compared to the San Diego average (crime index 102), Pacific Beach is 47% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 161, 61% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 89).

Highest Risk
Assault · Index 161 (61% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 89 (11% below avg)

Pacific Beach Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and San Diego city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
160 +60% High
Assault
161 +61% High
Robbery
161 +61% High
Rape
89 -11% Average
Property Crime
Burglary
127 +27% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
159 +59% High
Vehicle Theft
152 +52% High

How Pacific Beach Compares

Crime index by category: Pacific Beach vs San Diego average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Pacific Beach Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Pacific Beach Demographics & Context

Population
42,161
Median Income
$89,707
Home Value
$1,233,950
Median Age
34
Pop. Density
9,771/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 42%
Graduate Degree 21.4%

Housing

26%
74%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 82.6%
Black 1.7%
Hispanic 14.2%
Asian 5%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Mission Bay Park Index: 180
A
Bay Ho Index: 90
A
Mission Beach Index: 194
A
Bay Park Index: 110
A
North Clairemont Index: 110
A-
Clairemont Mesa West Index: 64
A
Morena Index: 114
A-
Linda Vista Index: 91
B+
Pacific Beach Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
San Diego Crime Statistics
View all San Diego neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Pacific Beach, San Diego?

Pacific Beach in San Diego, CA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 149, which is 49% above the national average. Compared to the San Diego average, crime in Pacific Beach is 47% higher. Pacific Beach is safer than 62% of neighborhoods in San Diego.

Is Pacific Beach a safe neighborhood in San Diego?

Pacific Beach is generally considered a safe neighborhood in San Diego, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 161), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 89).

How does Pacific Beach compare to the rest of San Diego?

Pacific Beach's overall crime index is 149, compared to the San Diego average of 102. This means crime in Pacific Beach is 47% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 143, and for property crime it is 146. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in Pacific Beach?

The most prevalent crime type in Pacific Beach is Assault, with a crime index of 161 (61% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near Pacific Beach?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Mission Bay Park, Bay Ho, Mission Beach and Bay Park. These areas are close to Pacific Beach and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Pacific Beach?

Pacific Beach has a population of approximately 42,161. The median household income is $89,707. The median home value is $1,233,950. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Pacific Beach crime compare to the national average?

Pacific Beach's overall crime rate is 49% above the national average (index 149 vs 100). Within San Diego, it is safer than 62% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.