South Lake Tahoe, CA Crime Rate & Safety
Higher crime than 71% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is South Lake Tahoe 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.
South Lake Tahoe has a crime rate that is 7% above the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 271.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Bijou Park earn an B safety grade, while Bijou Park rates B. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting South Lake Tahoe.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 271
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
3% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 47
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
16% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
South Lake Tahoe 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
|
100 | -0% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
102 | +2% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
94 | -6% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
103 | +3% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
109 | +9% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
South Lake Tahoe Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in South Lake Tahoe?
Safety varies dramatically across South Lake Tahoe's 1+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 1Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 1 neighborhoods in South Lake Tahoe
All South Lake Tahoe Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bijou Park | B | 141 |
South Lake Tahoe Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific South Lake Tahoe zip codes.
South Lake Tahoe Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Lake Tahoe, CA?
South Lake Tahoe, CA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 7% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 271 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 47 chance for property crime. South Lake Tahoe has higher crime than 71% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is South Lake Tahoe, CA safe to live in?
South Lake Tahoe has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 100% of the city's 1 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Bijou Park is one of the safest areas, while Bijou Park has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting South Lake Tahoe is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in South Lake Tahoe?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in South Lake Tahoe are Bijou Park. 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 South Lake Tahoe?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in South Lake Tahoe include Bijou Park. 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 South Lake Tahoe?
The estimated violent crime rate in South Lake Tahoe is 368.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 3% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 271 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.0 per 100K (0% below average); aggravated assault at 272.2 per 100K (2% above average); robbery at 69.2 per 100K (6% below average).
What is the property crime rate in South Lake Tahoe?
The estimated property crime rate in South Lake Tahoe is 2,116.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 16% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 47 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 277.4 per 100K (3% above average); larceny/theft at 1,524.0 per 100K (9% above average); vehicle theft at 315.2 per 100K (1% below average).
How does South Lake Tahoe crime compare to the national average?
South Lake Tahoe's overall crime rate is 7% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (9% above average), while rape is 33% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, South Lake Tahoe has higher crime than 71% of them.
Is South Lake Tahoe safe to visit?
Visitors to South Lake Tahoe should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 16% 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 Bijou Park.
How does South Lake Tahoe crime compare to the rest of California?
California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. South Lake Tahoe's crime rate is 7% above the national average, which is roughly in line with the state's overall rate.
What type of crime is most common in South Lake Tahoe?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in South Lake Tahoe, with an estimated rate of 1,524.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 9% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,117 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (369 per 100K) in South Lake Tahoe, which is consistent with national trends.