Downtown Bakersfield Neighborhood, Bakersfield
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safer than 1% of neighborhoods in Bakersfield
Safety at a Glance
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in Bakersfield
Is Downtown Bakersfield Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Downtown Bakersfield in Bakersfield, CA has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 194, which is 94% above the national average of 100. Downtown Bakersfield is safer than 1% of neighborhoods in Bakersfield.
Compared to the Bakersfield average (crime index 76), Downtown Bakersfield is 118% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 193, 93% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 145).
Downtown Bakersfield Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Bakersfield city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
193 | +93% | High | |
|
Assault
|
191 | +91% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Rape
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
191 | +91% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
189 | +89% | High | |
How Downtown Bakersfield Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown Bakersfield vs Bakersfield average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Bakersfield Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Downtown Bakersfield Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown Bakersfield, Bakersfield?
Downtown Bakersfield in Bakersfield, CA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 194, which is 94% above the national average. Compared to the Bakersfield average, crime in Downtown Bakersfield is 118% higher. Downtown Bakersfield is safer than 1% of neighborhoods in Bakersfield.
Is Downtown Bakersfield a safe neighborhood in Bakersfield?
Downtown Bakersfield has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 193), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 145). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Bakersfield.
How does Downtown Bakersfield compare to the rest of Bakersfield?
Downtown Bakersfield's overall crime index is 194, compared to the Bakersfield average of 76. This means crime in Downtown Bakersfield is 118% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 178, and for property crime it is 180. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Downtown Bakersfield?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown Bakersfield is Murder, with a crime index of 193 (93% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown Bakersfield?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Old Town Kern, Riviera / Westchester, Baker Street and Buck Owens Boulevard. These areas are close to Downtown Bakersfield and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown Bakersfield?
Downtown Bakersfield has a population of approximately 1,635. The median household income is $25,207. The median home value is $194,099. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown Bakersfield crime compare to the national average?
Downtown Bakersfield's overall crime rate is 94% above the national average (index 194 vs 100). Within Bakersfield, it is safer than 1% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.