Downtown Santa Monica Neighborhood, Santa Monica
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 22% of neighborhoods in Santa Monica
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Santa Monica
Is Downtown Santa Monica Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Downtown Santa Monica in Santa Monica, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 197, which is 97% above the national average of 100. Downtown Santa Monica is safer than 22% of neighborhoods in Santa Monica.
Compared to the Santa Monica average (crime index 149), Downtown Santa Monica is 48% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 197, 97% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 173).
Downtown Santa Monica Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Santa Monica city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
197 | +97% | High | |
|
Assault
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Rape
|
173 | +73% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
185 | +85% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
195 | +95% | High | |
How Downtown Santa Monica Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown Santa Monica vs Santa Monica average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Santa Monica Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Downtown Santa Monica Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica?
Downtown Santa Monica in Santa Monica, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 197, which is 97% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Monica average, crime in Downtown Santa Monica is 48% higher. Downtown Santa Monica is safer than 22% of neighborhoods in Santa Monica.
Is Downtown Santa Monica a safe neighborhood in Santa Monica?
Downtown Santa Monica is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Monica, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 197), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 173). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Santa Monica.
How does Downtown Santa Monica compare to the rest of Santa Monica?
Downtown Santa Monica's overall crime index is 197, compared to the Santa Monica average of 149. This means crime in Downtown Santa Monica is 48% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 187, and for property crime it is 192. 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 Downtown Santa Monica?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown Santa Monica is Murder, with a crime index of 197 (97% 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 Downtown Santa Monica?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include South Beach, Wilshire / Montana, Ocean Park and Mid-City. These areas are close to Downtown Santa Monica and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown Santa Monica?
Downtown Santa Monica has a population of approximately 2,006. The median household income is $66,054. The median home value is $3,517,648. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown Santa Monica crime compare to the national average?
Downtown Santa Monica's overall crime rate is 97% above the national average (index 197 vs 100). Within Santa Monica, it is safer than 22% 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.