Berkeley, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Berkeley, CA has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 141% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 103 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 18 chance for property crime. Berkeley has higher crime than 97% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Berkeley has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Approximately 68% of the city's 19 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Thousand Oaks is one of the safest areas, while Downtown Berkeley has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Berkeley is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Thousand Oaks, Claremont, Northbrae, University of California, Berkeley, and Kensington. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Berkeley include Downtown Berkeley, South Berkeley, Berkeley Oceanview, West Berkeley, and South Campus. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Berkeley is 966.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 154% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 103 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 13.3 per 100K (166% above average); aggravated assault at 698.6 per 100K (160% above average); robbery at 180.5 per 100K (144% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Berkeley is 5,574.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 204% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 18 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 634.4 per 100K (135% above average); larceny/theft at 4,057.4 per 100K (189% above average); vehicle theft at 882.3 per 100K (177% above average).

Berkeley's overall crime rate is 141% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (189% above average), while rape is 121% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Berkeley has higher crime than 97% of them.

Visitors to Berkeley should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 204% above 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 Thousand Oaks, Claremont, Northbrae.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Berkeley's crime rate is 141% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Berkeley, with an estimated rate of 4,057.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 189% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (5,574 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (967 per 100K) in Berkeley, which is consistent with national trends.