Kensington Neighborhood, Berkeley
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 74% of neighborhoods in Berkeley
Safety at a Glance
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in Berkeley
Is Kensington Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Kensington in Berkeley, CA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 58, which is 42% below the national average of 100. Kensington is safer than 74% of neighborhoods in Berkeley.
Compared to the Berkeley average (crime index 118), Kensington is 60% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Berkeley as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 133, 33% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 33).
Kensington 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
|
52 | -48% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
69 | -31% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
33 | -67% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
46 | -54% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
56 | -44% | Low | |
How Kensington Compares
Crime index by category: Kensington vs Berkeley average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Kensington Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Kensington Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Kensington, Berkeley?
Kensington in Berkeley, CA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 58, which is 42% below the national average. Compared to the Berkeley average, crime in Kensington is 60% lower. Kensington is safer than 74% of neighborhoods in Berkeley.
Is Kensington a safe neighborhood in Berkeley?
Kensington is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Berkeley, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 133), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 33).
How does Kensington compare to the rest of Berkeley?
Kensington's overall crime index is 58, compared to the Berkeley average of 118. This means crime in Kensington is 60% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 72, and for property crime it is 57. 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 Kensington?
The most prevalent crime type in Kensington is Assault, with a crime index of 133 (33% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Kensington?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Thousand Oaks, Northbrae, Berkeley Hills and North Berkeley. These areas are close to Kensington and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Kensington?
Kensington has a population of approximately 5,767. The median household income is $170,951. The median home value is $1,418,141. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Kensington crime compare to the national average?
Kensington's overall crime rate is 42% below the national average (index 58 vs 100). Within Berkeley, it is safer than 74% 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.