Santa Monica Neighborhood
Is Downtown Santa Monica a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Santa Monica, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe1257
Medium856
Low1147
Other2181
110 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape28
Child involved54
Assault12
Other32
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a resident reportedly slipped and fell near Washington Boulevard in Culver City. Units including Engine 42 and Rescue 42 responded. | Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a female with a mental illness was reported near the Starbucks at Purdue Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. | Purdue Ave & Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units were dispatched to several automatic fire alarms and small rubbish fires, including near Palms Boulevard, the 405 freeway by Getty Drive, Hollywood Boulevard, and South Main Street. One crew reported finding no problems and being unable to access a school location, and requested that school police be notified. | Palms Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic describes a possible domestic dispute on Main Street, where a woman is reportedly screaming inside a small white four-door vehicle. Units are being directed to the area, with references to an earlier possible battery that may be connected or nearby. | S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90291 | Domestic Dispute |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers responded to a report of a suspicious white van near Rose Avenue and Penmar Avenue. A possible female occupant in her late 30s was contacted or checked by authorities. | Rose Ave & Penmar Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90405 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers are responding to a possible DUI incident near Riviera Avenue and Westminster Avenue in Santa Monica, where a driver in a white Volkswagen reportedly drove into a parked vehicle. | Westminster Ave & Riviera Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90291 | Substance Use |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a disturbance was reported in an apartment near Via Marina. A female was causing disruption inside and appeared to have a medical episode. No weapons were seen. The subject reportedly has blood on her face. | Mariners Village, 4572 Via Marina #303, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers are investigating a possible e-bike theft near a fitness club on Broadway. The reporting party is tracking the e-bike, which was reportedly taken from the location about 15 minutes earlier. | Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401 | Theft Report |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers are dispatched code two to a reported grand theft auto involving an e‑bike with baskets, reportedly stolen about 15 minutes earlier near a business on Broadway. The reporting party is in the lobby and is tracking the e‑bike’s location. | Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401 | Theft Report |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers respond to a report of a man near South Sepulveda Boulevard who is described as hitting passing vehicles with his hands and a small guitar. The call is handled at a non-emergency response level. | S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 | Disturbance |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$2,570,760
Renter Occupancy
98.0%
Vacancy Rate
13.5%
Nearby neighborhoods
Overview
Downtown Santa Monica is an urban coastal neighborhood with a median home price of $2,570,760, more expensive than 95.2% of California neighborhoods.
The area is dominated by small to medium apartment complexes and high-rise apartments, with 98.0% renter occupancy. Many residences are newer, built since 2000 or between 1970 and 1999.
CoastalHighly EducatedRenter Dominated
Quick Facts
| Average Rent | $5,244 |
|---|---|
| Work From Home Rate | 31.4% |
Housing market and real estate character
Downtown Santa Monica's housing is almost entirely renter occupied, with a very high share of apartment complexes and small units.
| Renter Occupied Rate | 98.0% |
|---|---|
| Large Apartment Buildings | 96.4% |
| Small Unit Share (1-2 bedrooms) | 96.1% |
| Vacancy Rate | 13.5% |
What buyers will notice right away
Almost all housing units are renter occupied, indicating a strong rental market.
The neighborhood is dominated by studios and small units, suitable for singles or couples.
Vacancy is above average, possibly due to new construction or weak demand.
Families & Lifestyle
Downtown Santa Monica has a large share of residents living alone and a highly educated population with many young professionals.
The neighborhood's high education level supports a creative and professional community.
A large share of residents live alone, reflecting urban lifestyle preferences.
Urban, Educated, and Social — Residents enjoy an active nightlife and opportunities for socializing and romance.
| People Living Alone | 57.2% |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 77.9% |
| Young, Single Professionals | High concentration |
Demographics
| Executive, Manager, Professional Share | 66.1% |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 77.9% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 31.5% |
| Russian Ancestry | 8.4% |
| Iranian Ancestry | 2.7% |
| Russian Language Speakers | 4.4% |
Commute
Downtown Santa Monica features short commutes and a high rate of working from home.
Residents benefit from short commutes and a strong work-from-home presence, reflecting a modern urban lifestyle.
High Work From Home — 31.4% of residents work from home, well above national averages.
Short Commutes — Nearly 39% commute under 15 minutes, supporting quality of life.
| Under 15 Minute Commute | 38.6% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 44.6% |
| Walk to Work | 10.9% |
| Carpool Rate | 9.3% |
| Work From Home Rate | 31.4% |
Homes for sale near 90401
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Downtown Santa Monica?
The median home price is $2,570,760, more expensive than 95.2% of California neighborhoods.
How prevalent is renter occupancy?
Renter occupancy is 98.0%, higher than 98.7% of U.S. neighborhoods.
What is the work-from-home rate?
31.4% of residents work from home, higher than 95.6% of U.S. neighborhoods.