Walnut Creek, CA Crime Map
Explore crime rates, safest neighborhoods, and detailed crime statistics
Walnut Creek Crime Rate Statistics
Based on 33 neighborhoods · Compared to U.S. average
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Navigating the safety of a city like Walnut Creek, California, starts with accessing reliable data, and our comprehensive Walnut Creek crime map offers a detailed look at local safety trends. With an impressive average crime score of 0.089, Walnut Creek earns a Very Safe (A) grade, reflecting its status as a secure community in Contra Costa County. A striking 81.8% of the 33 analyzed neighborhoods in Walnut Creek boast an A grade for safety, showcasing the city's commitment to maintaining a secure environment for its 69,836 residents. Whether you're a potential homebuyer, a current resident, or just visiting, understanding the Walnut Creek crime rate through this map can help you make informed decisions about where to live, work, or explore. This guide dives deep into the safest neighborhoods, areas to approach with caution, and key trends shaping Walnut Creek safety.
Understanding Walnut Creek's Safety Landscape
Walnut Creek, nestled in Contra Costa County, is widely regarded as one of the safer communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a population density of 1,364 per square mile, the city balances suburban tranquility with urban amenities, attracting families, professionals, and retirees alike. The Walnut Creek crime map reveals an overwhelmingly positive picture: 100% of neighborhoods fall into the A or B safety grades, meaning every corner of the city meets a high standard of security. This is particularly notable given the city's median household income of $108,689 and a highly educated population, with 68% holding college degrees—factors often correlated with lower crime rates. For those seeking data-driven insights, the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program provides national context to compare Walnut Creek's safety metrics against broader trends.
Beyond raw numbers, Walnut Creek safety is shaped by proactive community policing, well-maintained public spaces, and a low poverty rate of just 5.3%. However, like any city, variations exist across neighborhoods, and understanding these nuances through the Walnut Creek crime map is essential for residents and newcomers. Whether you're evaluating the Walnut Creek crime rate for relocation or simply planning a visit, this guide offers a clear breakdown of where safety shines brightest and where extra awareness may be warranted.
Safest Neighborhoods in Walnut Creek
For those prioritizing security, the safe neighborhoods in Walnut Creek offer peace of mind alongside affluent lifestyles and scenic surroundings. The Walnut Creek crime map highlights several areas with A+ and A grades, reflecting minimal crime and strong community environments. Here are the top five safest neighborhoods, based on crime data and population statistics, that stand out as exceptional places to live:
- Brooktree: With a crime grade of A+ and a population of 822, Brooktree is a small, tight-knit community where safety is paramount. Its median income of $181,311 reflects the affluence that often correlates with low crime in Walnut Creek.
- Livorna: Another A+ neighborhood, Livorna houses 807 residents and boasts a median income of $188,931. Its quiet streets and high safety scores make it a top choice for families seeking Walnut Creek safety.
- Northgate: Home to 3,978 residents, Northgate earns an A+ grade on the Walnut Creek crime map. With a median income of $176,633, this area combines safety with access to excellent schools and amenities.
- Diablo Shadows: This neighborhood, with 1,063 residents and a median income of $208,801, secures an A+ for safety. Its low crime rate makes it ideal for those prioritizing security in Walnut Creek.
- The Woodlands: Housing 2,555 residents and earning an A+ grade, The Woodlands offers a serene environment with a median income of $192,849, reinforcing its status among the safe neighborhoods in Walnut Creek.
Other notable safe areas include San Miguel, Foothill, Acalanes Ridge, Rossmoor, and Castle Hill, all earning A grades on the Walnut Creek crime map. These neighborhoods collectively showcase why Walnut Creek safety is a defining feature of the city, appealing to those who value security alongside a high quality of life. If you're considering a move, these areas represent the pinnacle of low crime and community well-being.
Areas Requiring Greater Awareness
While the overall Walnut Creek crime rate is impressively low, certain areas on the Walnut Creek crime map show slightly higher crime grades, suggesting a need for increased vigilance. It's important to note that even these neighborhoods remain relatively safe compared to national averages, with none falling below a B grade. However, residents and visitors may want to exercise additional caution in the following areas:
- Diablo Hills: Graded B-, this area experiences slightly more incidents than A-rated neighborhoods. Staying aware of surroundings, especially at night, can enhance personal safety here.
- Downtown Walnut Creek: Also graded B-, the downtown area sees higher foot traffic and commercial activity, which can contribute to minor property crimes. Simple precautions like securing valuables can mitigate risks.
- Lower Lakewood: With a B grade, this neighborhood is still safe but may require attention to personal property and home security measures.
- Walnut Ave. and Hedgewood: Both earning B+ grades, these areas are relatively secure but fall just below the top-tier safety scores of other Walnut Creek neighborhoods.
Understanding crime in Walnut Creek through this lens helps residents and visitors make informed choices without undue concern. These areas still benefit from the city's overall low crime rate and community focus on safety, but small steps like avoiding isolated areas after dark can further enhance personal security.
Crime Trends and Local Factors
The Walnut Creek crime rate remains notably low due to a combination of socioeconomic factors and local initiatives. With a median home value of $802,793 and an unemployment rate of just 5%, the city's economic stability plays a significant role in reducing crime motivators. Additionally, Walnut Creek's older median age of 48 years suggests a mature, settled population less prone to the types of activities often associated with higher crime rates. The Walnut Creek crime map reflects these dynamics, showing consistent safety across most neighborhoods.
Local law enforcement efforts also contribute to Walnut Creek safety. Community policing programs, neighborhood watch groups, and public safety campaigns help maintain the city's A-grade average on crime metrics. According to resources like the Bureau of Justice Statistics, cities with engaged communities and proactive policing often report lower incidents of violent and property crime, a trend clearly visible in Walnut Creek. Seasonal upticks in minor property crimes, often tied to holiday shopping in commercial areas like Downtown Walnut Creek, are among the few notable patterns on the Walnut Creek crime map.
Urban planning and infrastructure also play a role in mitigating crime in Walnut Creek. Well-lit streets, accessible public spaces, and a focus on maintaining community parks deter potential criminal activity. For residents, staying informed about local trends through tools like the Walnut Creek crime map ensures they can adapt to any emerging patterns while enjoying the city's overwhelmingly safe environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walnut Creek safe?
Yes, Walnut Creek is considered very safe, earning an average crime score of 0.089 and a Very Safe (A) grade on the Walnut Creek crime map. With 100% of its 33 neighborhoods rated A or B for safety, the city stands out as a secure place to live, work, and visit. Violent crime is rare, and property crime rates are below national averages, making Walnut Creek safety a key draw for families and retirees alike.
What is the crime rate in Walnut Creek?
The Walnut Creek crime rate is impressively low, as reflected in its overall Very Safe (A) grade. Of the 33 neighborhoods analyzed, 81.8% (27 neighborhoods) earn an A grade, while the remaining 18.2% (6 neighborhoods) receive a B grade. This distribution, visible on the Walnut Creek crime map, indicates that crime in Walnut Creek is minimal compared to many other cities of similar size, with safety as a consistent priority across the community.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Walnut Creek?
The safest neighborhoods in Walnut Creek, based on data from the Walnut Creek crime map, include Brooktree, Livorna, Northgate, Diablo Shadows, and The Woodlands, all earning A+ grades. These areas report the lowest crime rates and offer secure environments for residents. Other highly safe neighborhoods with A grades include San Miguel, Foothill, and Acalanes Ridge, reinforcing Walnut Creek's reputation as a haven of safety.
Is Walnut Creek a good place to live?
Walnut Creek is an excellent place to live, combining a low crime rate with a high quality of life. The Walnut Creek crime map shows exceptional safety scores, with all neighborhoods rated A or B, while the city's median household income of $108,689 and median home value of $802,793 reflect economic stability. Add to that a highly educated population (68% college-educated), scenic surroundings, and access to top-tier amenities, and Walnut Creek appeals to a wide range of residents. Minor challenges, like occasional property crime in busier areas, are easily manageable with basic precautions.
Exploring Walnut Creek with Confidence
Whether you're relocating, visiting, or simply curious about crime in Walnut Creek, the Walnut Creek crime map serves as an invaluable tool for understanding the city's safety landscape. With an overall Very Safe (A) grade and 100% of neighborhoods rated as safe, Walnut Creek offers a secure environment bolstered by strong community values and proactive policing. From the pristine safety of neighborhoods like Brooktree and Livorna to the slightly busier but still secure areas like Downtown Walnut Creek, there's a place for everyone to feel at ease. Use this guide to navigate Walnut Creek safety, and explore the city's charm—its parks, shops, and culture—with confidence, knowing you're in one of California's safest communities.
All 33 Neighborhoods in Walnut Creek
Ranked by safety (safest first)| Rank | Neighborhood | Score | Safety | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | The Woodlands | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $192,849 |
| #2 | Diablo Shadows | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $208,801 |
| #3 | Rancho Paraiso | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $236,153 |
| #4 | Northgate | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $176,633 |
| #5 | Rudgear Meadows | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $189,284 |
| #6 | Rudgear Estates | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $178,744 |
| #7 | Brooktree | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $181,311 |
| #8 | Livorna | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $188,931 |
| #9 | San Miguel | A | Very safe | $150,869 |
| #10 | Foothill | A | Very safe | $175,512 |
| #11 | Wimbledon | A | Very safe | $161,494 |
| #12 | Acalanes Ridge | A | Very safe | $176,584 |
| #13 | El Dorado Park | A | Very safe | $151,925 |
| #14 | Beacon Ridge | A | Very safe | $114,368 |
| #15 | Rossmoor | A | Very safe | $73,512 |
| #16 | Castle Hill | A | Very safe | $154,274 |
| #17 | Rancho San Miguel | A | Very safe | $148,859 |
| #18 | Saranap | A | Very safe | $119,501 |
| #19 | Buena Vista | A | Very safe | $134,943 |
| #20 | Candelero | A | Very safe | $142,173 |
| #21 | Countrywood | A | Very safe | $141,753 |
| #22 | Carriage Square | A | Very safe | $116,479 |
| #23 | Shell Ridge | A- | Very safe | $155,193 |
| #24 | Banbury | A- | Very safe | $115,128 |
| #25 | Larkey Park | A- | Very safe | $112,626 |
| #26 | North Civic | A- | Very safe | $124,622 |
| #27 | Lakewood | A- | Very safe | $132,412 |
| #28 | San Marco | B+ | Above average | $150,718 |
| #29 | Hedgewood | B+ | Above average | $126,238 |
| #30 | Walnut Ave. | B+ | Above average | $166,766 |
| #31 | Lower Lakewood | B | Safe area | $89,149 |
| #32 | Downtown Walnut Creek | B- | Safe area | $90,985 |
| #33 | Diablo Hills | B- | Safe area | $131,533 |
Scroll to see all 33 neighborhoods
All 33 Neighborhoods by Crime Level
Ranked by crime (highest first)| Rank | Neighborhood | Score | Safety Level | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Diablo Hills | B- | Safe area | $131,533 |
| #2 | Downtown Walnut Creek | B- | Safe area | $90,985 |
| #3 | Lower Lakewood | B | Safe area | $89,149 |
| #4 | Walnut Ave. | B+ | Above average | $166,766 |
| #5 | Hedgewood | B+ | Above average | $126,238 |
| #6 | San Marco | B+ | Above average | $150,718 |
| #7 | Lakewood | A- | Very safe | $132,412 |
| #8 | North Civic | A- | Very safe | $124,622 |
| #9 | Larkey Park | A- | Very safe | $112,626 |
| #10 | Banbury | A- | Very safe | $115,128 |
| #11 | Shell Ridge | A- | Very safe | $155,193 |
| #12 | Carriage Square | A | Very safe | $116,479 |
| #13 | Countrywood | A | Very safe | $141,753 |
| #14 | Candelero | A | Very safe | $142,173 |
| #15 | Buena Vista | A | Very safe | $134,943 |
| #16 | Saranap | A | Very safe | $119,501 |
| #17 | Rancho San Miguel | A | Very safe | $148,859 |
| #18 | Castle Hill | A | Very safe | $154,274 |
| #19 | Rossmoor | A | Very safe | $73,512 |
| #20 | Beacon Ridge | A | Very safe | $114,368 |
| #21 | El Dorado Park | A | Very safe | $151,925 |
| #22 | Acalanes Ridge | A | Very safe | $176,584 |
| #23 | Wimbledon | A | Very safe | $161,494 |
| #24 | Foothill | A | Very safe | $175,512 |
| #25 | San Miguel | A | Very safe | $150,869 |
| #26 | Livorna | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $188,931 |
| #27 | Brooktree | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $181,311 |
| #28 | Rudgear Estates | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $178,744 |
| #29 | Rudgear Meadows | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $189,284 |
| #30 | Northgate | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $176,633 |
| #31 | Rancho Paraiso | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $236,153 |
| #32 | Diablo Shadows | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $208,801 |
| #33 | The Woodlands | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $192,849 |
Scroll to see all 33 neighborhoods
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