Is Encino, Los Angeles, Safe to Live or Visit in 2024?

Encino Crime Rates and Safety Rankings

Planning to live, visit, or move to Encino? Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

This article analyzes Encino’s most recent crime data, drawing on statistics from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, to determine if the neighborhood is safe or dangerous.

We use a 0-100 crime rate scale. Higher scores mean more crime and greater danger.

We'll compare Encino to Los Angeles and national averages, look at crime trends, and highlight key safety concerns.

Read on for essential facts and tips on protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your property in Encino.

Crime and safety snapshot

Is Encino safe? The crime rates here are average. The overall crime rate is 52/100, with violent crime at 47/100 and property crime at 64/100. While Encino isn't particularly dangerous, it's not exceptionally safe. Normal safety measures are recommended when living in or visiting this area.

Encino safety ranking in Los Angeles

Encino ranks as one of the safest Los Angeles neighborhoods regarding violent crime. In terms of property crime, it ranks around average in the city.

Is Encino Getting Safer or More Dangerous?

Now, let's take a closer look at how safety in Encino has changed over time.

Has Encino become safer (2023 vs. 2022)?

Between 2022 and 2023, Encino has seen a small improvement in safety. This modest decrease in crime rates is a step in the right direction, even if it's not immediately apparent.

How has crime in Encino changed over the years?

Note: We've excluded 2020-2021 from trend comparison analyses due to the unusual crime patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing instead on comparing current data to pre-pandemic trends.

Overall crime rates

Compared to pre-pandemic years (2017 and 2019), Encino is noticeably more dangerous. Violent crime increased by 6 points. Property crime increased by 14 points.

Crimes to be Careful of in Encino

Whether you live in or visit Encino, understanding the frequency of various crimes can help you navigate daily life more safely. By knowing which offenses are more common, you can take appropriate precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property in Encino.

How common are violent crimes in Encino?

In Encino, the risk of becoming a victim of violent crime is above average.

Here's a breakdown of risk levels for specific violent crimes:

• Murder/Homicide (deadly attacks): Average
• Rape (sexual assault): Above average
• Robbery (theft by force or threat): Significantly elevated
• Aggravated Assault (serious physical attacks): Significantly elevated

While in Encino, watch out for the following crimes and take action to stay safe:

• Murder/Homicide and Aggravated Assault: This area sees more violent physical attacks than safer parts of town. After dark, be extra cautious. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and stay alert. If you encounter trouble, shout for help and head to a crowded area. Staying sober is crucial—it helps you stay sharp, spot potential danger from afar, and reduce the chance of becoming a target. If you feel uneasy, duck into a store or another safe place until things seem calmer.

• Rape: Women should be cautious, as sexual assaults are a serious concern here. Avoid walking alone, especially at night. Go out with friends or use trusted ride services. Stay vigilant in quiet areas. Consider carrying pepper spray or a whistle for protection. If threatened, scream for help and run towards busy spots or open businesses.

• Robbery: Muggings are more frequent here. Consider keeping valuables hidden—using a money belt can help protect your belongings.

How frequent are property crimes in Encino?

• Burglary (home break-ins): Significantly elevated
• Larceny (theft, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching): Significantly elevated
• Auto Theft (car stealing): Significantly elevated
• Arson (intentional fire-setting): Significantly elevated

If you own or rent property in Encino, regularly use a vehicle in the area, or frequently spend time in public spaces here:

• Secure your property from home break-ins — install good-quality locks, consider a home security system, and keep windows and doors secure.

• Protect yourself from pickpocketers and bag snatchers — be vigilant with personal belongings in public, secure your bag, and be aware of pickpocketing risks in crowded areas.

• Protect your car — lock it every time you leave, keep valuable items out of sight, install a car alarm if possible, and make sure you have adequate car insurance for extra peace of mind.

• Be mindful of arson risks — protect your property by keeping it well-lit, removing flammable materials from around buildings, getting comprehensive fire insurance coverage, and installing smoke detectors on every floor.

Violent Crime in Encino

Breakdown of violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault)

Here are the latest crime rates for specific violent offenses:

• Murder/Homicide (deadly attacks): 33/100 - less frequent than average, 27 points lower than the US average.
• Rape (sexual assault): 42/100 - at an average level, 13 points lower than the US average.
• Robbery (theft by force or threat): 62/100 - more frequent than average, 10 points higher than the US average.
• Aggravated Assault (serious physical attacks): 63/100 - more frequent than average, 6 points higher than the US average.

Encino’s violent crime ranking in Los Angeles

In terms of violent crime rates, among the 109 neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Encino ranks as one of the most secure.

Here's how Encino ranks within Los Angeles for each type of violent crime:

• Murder: Ranks 8th, as one of the most secure.

• Rape: Ranks 10th, as one of the most secure.

• Robbery: Ranks 10th, as one of the most secure.

• Aggravated Assault: Ranks 8th, as one of the most secure.

Is Encino getting safer from violent crime (2023 vs. 2022)?

• The murder crime rate increased by 8 points, now moderately more dangerous.
• The rape crime rate decreased by 3 points, now slightly safer.
• The robbery crime rate decreased by 8 points, now moderately safer.
• The aggravated assault crime rate decreased by 7 points, now moderately safer.

How has violent crime in Encino changed over the years?

Violent crime rates

Comparing Encino now to the pre-pandemic years of 2017-2019, violent crime is higher by 6 points.

Rape crime rates

Property Crime in Encino

While violent crimes often grab headlines, it's property crimes that might affect residents and visitors more frequently. Whether you live in Encino or are just passing through, understanding the property crime situation can help you protect your belongings—from home burglaries to pickpocketing and bag snatching. Let's look closely at property crime in Encino and how it impacts locals and travelers.

Encino has a property crime rate of 64 out of 100. This places the neighborhood above average in crime.

For context, Los Angeles's property crime rate in 2023 is 64/100, while the US average property crime rate for that year is 47/100.

Breakdown of property crime rates (burglary, larceny, auto theft, and arson)

Here are the latest crime rates for specific property offenses:

• Burglary (home break-ins): 62/100-more frequent than average, 20 points higher than the US average.
• Larceny (theft, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching): 64/100-more frequent than average, 21 points higher than the US average.
• Auto Theft (car stealing): 63/100-more frequent than average, 2 points higher than the US average.
• Arson (intentional fire-setting): 74/100-a significant issue, 19 points higher than the US average.

Encino’s property crime ranking in Los Angeles

Encino ranks as about average out of 109 areas in Los Angeles.Here's how Encino ranks within Los Angeles for each type of property crime:

• Burglary: Ranks 38th, slightly safer than average.
• Larceny: Ranks 82nd, more dangerous than most.
• Auto Theft: Ranks 8th, as one of the most secure.
• Arson: Ranks 11th, as one of the most secure.

Is Encino getting safer from property crime (2023 vs. 2022)?

From 2022 to 2023, Encino has remained largely unchanged from property crime.Let's examine the year-over-year changes for each type of property crime:

• Burglary: Decreased by 5 points, now moderately safer.
• Larceny: Increased by 8 points, now moderately more dangerous.
• Auto Theft: Decreased by 4 points, now moderately safer.
• Arson: remained unchanged, now largely unchanged.

How has property crime in Encino changed over the years?

Property crime rates

Comparing Encino now to the pre-pandemic years of 2017-2019, property crime is notably higher by 11 points.

Nearest Neighborhoods by Crime Rate

Whether you're considering living in Encino or planning a visit, here's how nearby neighborhoods compare in terms of crime rates and safety.

Among nearby areas, Tarzana has the lowest overall crime rate, making it an alternative to consider if you're concerned about Encino’s safety.

Explore the crime and safety ranking of all neighborhoods in Los Angeles.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

To answer the question, is Encino, Los Angeles, safe or dangerous? Now that we've reviewed Encino’s crime and safety details, let's sum up the main points so you can decide if it's a place you'd want to live in or visit, what to be careful of, and how to stay safe if you go there:

Crime statistics

• Encino’s overall crime rate: 52/100
• Safety ranking: 10 out of 109 neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
• Violent crime rate: 47/100 (27 points lower than Los Angeles's average, 5 points lower than the national average.)
• Property crime rate: 64/100 (12 points lower than Los Angeles's average, 17 points higher than the national average.)

Based on these crime statistics, Encino is average in terms of safety. It's not particularly dangerous, but it's not especially safe, either. Maintain typical urban awareness.

Crime trends

Comparing 2023 to 2022:

• Overall: Less dangerous by 1 point.
• Violent crime: Now dramatically safer than in 2022.
• Property crime: Remained unchanged.

Top crimes in Encino:

• Arson: 74/100.
• Larceny: 64/100.
• Aggravated Assault: 63/100.

If you live in or visit Encino, stay vigilant and take these precautions:

• Intentional fire-setting is a serious problem in Encino. Check your home insurance covers fire damage. Put smoke detectors on every floor and test them monthly. Keep fire extinguishers handy. Clear away dry leaves and junk around your house—these can fuel fires. If you're in an apartment, know where the fire exits are and plan how to get out fast in an emergency.

• Encino has high rates of theft. This includes pickpocketing, bag snatching, and shoplifting. Always stay alert, especially in crowded areas. Keep your bag in front of you, not on your back or shoulder, where it's easy to grab. In restaurants, keep your bag on your lap or between your feet, not hanging on your chair. Use a hidden money belt for cash and cards. Watch your phone; thieves often snatch phones from distracted users. Shopkeepers should be extra vigilant and consider security cameras. Visitors to Encino are often targets; if you're a tourist, don't carry all your valuables at once, and be extra careful in busy tourist spots.

• Encino has high rates of violent crime. Avoid being out alone, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit main streets and stay alert to your surroundings. If you spot potential trouble from afar (drunk people, strange behavior, or groups), cross the street or calmly turn back. Don't engage with strangers in isolated areas. If attacked, shout loudly to draw attention and try to escape to a populated area if possible. Stay sober when in this area, as being intoxicated makes you an easier target. If you feel unsafe, duck into a store and stay there until it's safe to leave.

Nearby neighborhoods

Areas with the lowest crime rates near Encino:

• Lowest violent crime rates: Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Reseda.
• Lowest property crime rates: Reseda, Van Nuys, Lake Balboa.