South Beach Neighborhood, Santa Monica
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Santa Monica
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Monica
Is South Beach Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. South Beach in Santa Monica, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 198, which is 98% above the national average of 100. South Beach is safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Santa Monica.
Compared to the Santa Monica average (crime index 149), South Beach is 49% 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: 198, 98% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 151).
South Beach 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
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Assault
|
198 | +98% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
151 | +51% | High | |
|
Rape
|
194 | +94% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
180 | +80% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
194 | +94% | High | |
How South Beach Compares
Crime index by category: South Beach vs Santa Monica average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Beach Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Beach Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Beach, Santa Monica?
South Beach in Santa Monica, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 198, which is 98% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Monica average, crime in South Beach is 49% higher. South Beach is safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Santa Monica.
Is South Beach a safe neighborhood in Santa Monica?
South Beach is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Monica, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 198), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 151). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Santa Monica.
How does South Beach compare to the rest of Santa Monica?
South Beach's overall crime index is 198, compared to the Santa Monica average of 149. This means crime in South Beach is 49% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 185, and for property crime it is 187. 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 South Beach?
The most prevalent crime type in South Beach is Assault, with a crime index of 198 (98% 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 South Beach?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Downtown Santa Monica, Ocean Park, Wilshire / Montana and Mid-City. These areas are close to South Beach and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Beach?
South Beach has a population of approximately 132. The median household income is $48,178. The median home value is $1,652,220. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Beach crime compare to the national average?
South Beach's overall crime rate is 98% above the national average (index 198 vs 100). Within Santa Monica, it is safer than 11% 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.