Walnut Creek, CA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Walnut Creek Crime

Is Walnut Creek safe?

Yes — Walnut Creek earns an overall B crime grade and a city-wide safety rating of Very Safe (A). Of the 33 neighborhoods analyzed, 81.8% (27 neighborhoods) received an A grade and the remaining 18.2% (6 neighborhoods) received a B grade, meaning 100% of neighborhoods fall in the safe A–B range. No neighborhood in Walnut Creek scored a C, D, or F. Top performers like Livorna (A+), Rudgear Meadows (A+), and The Woodlands (A+) set the bar high, while even the relatively busier areas such as Downtown Walnut Creek (B-) and Diablo Hills (B-) remain well within safe territory. For context, a B- in Walnut Creek still outperforms many city averages statewide.

What is the crime rate in Walnut Creek compared to other cities?

Walnut Creek's safety profile stands out even within the Bay Area. With 100% of its 33 analyzed neighborhoods graded A or B, the city demonstrates a remarkably consistent safety record. The poverty rate is just 5.3% and the unemployment rate sits at 5% — both well below national averages — which correlates strongly with the city's low crime concentration. The neighborhoods with the highest crime grades (B- range) are Diablo Hills and Downtown Walnut Creek, areas with more commercial activity and foot traffic. By comparison, 81.8% of neighborhoods hold an A grade, a distribution rarely seen in cities of Walnut Creek's size and density (1,364 residents per square mile).

What are the safest neighborhoods in Walnut Creek?

Eight neighborhoods in Walnut Creek have earned the top A+ safety grade, making them among the safest residential areas in Contra Costa County. Here's how they break down by population and median household income:

• Rancho Paraiso (A+) — Median income: $236,153 | Population: 229
• Diablo Shadows (A+) — Median income: $208,801 | Population: 1,063
• The Woodlands (A+) — Median income: $192,849 | Population: 2,555
• Rudgear Meadows (A+) — Median income: $189,284 | Population: 409
• Livorna (A+) — Median income: $188,931 | Population: 807
• Brooktree (A+) — Median income: $181,311 | Population: 822
• Rudgear Estates (A+) — Median income: $178,744 | Population: 364
• Northgate (A+) — Median income: $176,633 | Population: 3,978

Notably, all eight A+ neighborhoods carry median household incomes well above the city-wide median of $108,689, reflecting the strong link between economic stability and neighborhood safety. San Miguel (A) and Foothill (A) round out the top ten safest areas.

Which neighborhoods in Walnut Creek have the most crime?

Even the highest-crime neighborhoods in Walnut Creek are rated B or B- — meaning no area of the city is considered unsafe. The five neighborhoods with the most relative crime activity are:

• Diablo Hills — B-
• Downtown Walnut Creek — B-
• Lower Lakewood — B
• Walnut Ave. — B+
• Hedgewood — B+

Downtown Walnut Creek's B- grade is consistent with what you'd expect from a dense commercial and entertainment hub — higher foot traffic naturally correlates with more reported incidents, particularly property-related ones. Residents in these neighborhoods are encouraged to use standard precautions: secure vehicles, use well-lit routes at night, and report suspicious activity to the Walnut Creek Police Department. Importantly, 0% of the city's neighborhoods received a D or F grade, which is a meaningful data point when comparing Walnut Creek to broader regional averages.

Is Walnut Creek a good place to live for families?

The data strongly supports Walnut Creek as a family-friendly city. Consider these key figures: a median household income of $108,689, a median home value of $802,793, a poverty rate of only 5.3%, and 100% of neighborhoods graded A or B for safety. Families looking for a low-crime environment with economic stability will find that 27 out of 33 neighborhoods (81.8%) carry an A safety grade. Neighborhoods like Northgate (A+, population 3,978) and The Woodlands (A+, population 2,555) are among the larger residential communities and maintain top-tier safety grades, making them particularly practical options for families who want both community size and security. The city's 5% unemployment rate and access to Contra Costa County amenities further reinforce its appeal as a long-term place to raise a family.