Atherton, CA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 61% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Atherton Safe?
Mostly yes — Atherton is fairly safe
Crime is slightly below the national average, though some areas may vary.
Atherton has a crime rate that is 29% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 141.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Lindenwood earn an A safety grade, while West Atherton rates A. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Atherton.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 141
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
86% higher than national average
Property Crime
1 in 93
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
41% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Atherton 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
|
37 | -63% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
176 | +76% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
217 | +117% | High | |
|
Rape
|
221 | +121% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
56 | -44% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
51 | -49% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
66 | -34% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Atherton Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Atherton?
Safety varies dramatically across Atherton's 4+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 4Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 3Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 4 neighborhoods in Atherton
All Atherton Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lindenwood | A | 52 |
| 2 | West of Alameda | A | 67 |
| 3 | West Atherton | A | 52 |
| 4 | Lloyden Park | A | 79 |
Atherton Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Atherton zip codes.
Atherton Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Atherton, CA?
Atherton, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 29% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 141 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 93 chance for property crime. Atherton has lower crime than 61% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Atherton, CA safe to live in?
Atherton is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 100% of the city's 4 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Lindenwood is one of the safest areas, while West Atherton has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Atherton is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Atherton?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Atherton are Lindenwood, West of Alameda, West Atherton, and Lloyden 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 Atherton?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Atherton include West Atherton, West of Alameda, and Lindenwood. 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 Atherton?
The estimated violent crime rate in Atherton is 709.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 86% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 141 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 1.8 per 100K (63% below average); aggravated assault at 473.0 per 100K (76% above average); robbery at 160.6 per 100K (117% above average).
What is the property crime rate in Atherton?
The estimated property crime rate in Atherton is 1,075.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 41% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 93 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 152.3 per 100K (44% below average); larceny/theft at 712.0 per 100K (49% below average); vehicle theft at 211.4 per 100K (34% below average).
How does Atherton crime compare to the national average?
Atherton's overall crime rate is 29% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (121% above average), while murder is 63% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Atherton has lower crime than 61% of them.
Is Atherton safe to visit?
Atherton is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 41% below 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 Lindenwood, West of Alameda, West Atherton.
How does Atherton crime compare to the rest of California?
California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Atherton's crime rate is 29% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.
What type of crime is most common in Atherton?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Atherton, with an estimated rate of 712.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 49% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,076 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (710 per 100K) in Atherton, which is consistent with national trends.