Central Berkeley Neighborhood, Berkeley

Crime Rate & Statistics

B-

Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels

Safer than 42% of neighborhoods in Berkeley

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 155 / 300 High
Violent Crime 150
50% above national avg
Property Crime 149
49% above national avg
City Ranking
42%
safer than other
Berkeley neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Berkeley

Is Central Berkeley Safe?

Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Central Berkeley in Berkeley, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 155, which is 55% above the national average of 100. Central Berkeley is safer than 42% of neighborhoods in Berkeley.

Compared to the Berkeley average (crime index 118), Central Berkeley is 37% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 170, 70% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 130).

Highest Risk
Assault · Index 170 (70% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 130 (30% above avg)

Central Berkeley Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Berkeley city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
163 +63% High
Assault
170 +70% High
Robbery
132 +32% Moderate
Rape
136 +36% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
130 +30% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
158 +58% High
Vehicle Theft
158 +58% High

How Central Berkeley Compares

Crime index by category: Central Berkeley vs Berkeley average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Central Berkeley Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Central Berkeley Demographics & Context

Population
4,933
Median Income
$119,231
Home Value
$1,203,013
Median Age
37
Pop. Density
17,556/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 38.9%
Graduate Degree 39.1%

Housing

38%
62%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 54.8%
Black 7.9%
Hispanic 10.4%
Asian 21.9%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Downtown Berkeley Index: 189
D
West Berkeley Index: 159
C
North Berkeley Index: 141
B-
South Berkeley Index: 169
C-
South Campus Index: 109
C+
Berkeley Oceanview Index: 167
C-
LeConte / South Index: 155
B-
Westbrae Index: 99
A-
Central Berkeley Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Berkeley Crime Statistics
View all Berkeley neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Central Berkeley, Berkeley?

Central Berkeley in Berkeley, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 155, which is 55% above the national average. Compared to the Berkeley average, crime in Central Berkeley is 37% higher. Central Berkeley is safer than 42% of neighborhoods in Berkeley.

Is Central Berkeley a safe neighborhood in Berkeley?

Central Berkeley is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Berkeley, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 170), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 130).

How does Central Berkeley compare to the rest of Berkeley?

Central Berkeley's overall crime index is 155, compared to the Berkeley average of 118. This means crime in Central Berkeley is 37% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 150, and for property crime it is 149. 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 Central Berkeley?

The most prevalent crime type in Central Berkeley is Assault, with a crime index of 170 (70% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Central Berkeley?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include North Berkeley, LeConte / South and Westbrae. These areas are close to Central Berkeley and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Central Berkeley?

Central Berkeley has a population of approximately 4,933. The median household income is $119,231. The median home value is $1,203,013. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Central Berkeley crime compare to the national average?

Central Berkeley's overall crime rate is 55% above the national average (index 155 vs 100). Within Berkeley, it is safer than 42% 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.