Crime Safety Grade

D+

Berkeley, CA Crime Rate

Higher crime than 59% of U.S. cities

Safety varies across 19+ neighborhoods — see the safest areas below

Is Berkeley Safe?

With an overall crime index of 118, Berkeley has a 18% higher crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 197. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Thousand Oaks earning an A grade while Downtown Berkeley rates D.

Crime Index Comparison

Berkeley
118
California Avg
109
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index
118
18% above average
Violent Crime
127
27% above average
Property Crime
131
31% above average
Safe Areas
68%
Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Berkeley

1 in 197

Property crime: 1 in 191

Where Is It Safe in Berkeley?

Berkeley Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · 45% above avg
Lowest Risk
Burglary · 14% above avg
Crime Type Index vs National
Murder Violent 126 ▲ 26%
Assault Violent 139 ▲ 39%
Robbery Violent 114 ▲ 14%
Burglary Property 114 ▲ 14%
Larceny / Theft Property 145 ▲ 45%
Vehicle Theft Property 134 ▲ 34%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Berkeley Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Thousand Oaks A 36
2 Claremont A 87
3 Northbrae A 49
4 University of California, Berkeley A 42
5 Kensington A- 58
6 Claremont Hills A- 91
7 Westbrae A- 99
8 Berkeley Hills A- 91
9 Panoramic Hill B+ 99
10 North Berkeley B- 141
11 Central Berkeley B- 155
12 Elmwood B- 160
13 LeConte / South B- 155
14 South Campus C+ 109
15 West Berkeley C 159
16 Berkeley Oceanview C- 167
17 South Berkeley C- 169
18 Berkeley Marina C- 192
19 Downtown Berkeley D 189

Berkeley Crime by Zip Code

Berkeley Demographics & Cost of Living

Population
123,065
Median Income
$91,259
Home Value
$1,058,240
Median Rent
$1,767
Home Ownership
43%

Racial Demographics

White
51.4%
Black
9.1%
Hispanic
10.6%
Asian
24.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Berkeley?
Berkeley has an overall crime index of 118, which is above the national average of 100. Approximately 68% of neighborhoods in Berkeley are rated A or B for safety.
Is Berkeley safe to live in?
Berkeley has a crime safety grade of D+. Very high crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Berkeley?
The safest neighborhoods in Berkeley based on crime data include Thousand Oaks, Claremont, Northbrae, University of California, Berkeley, and Kensington. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Berkeley crime compare to the national average?
Berkeley's overall crime index is 118 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 18% higher than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State