South Berkeley Neighborhood, Berkeley

Crime Rate & Statistics

C-

Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average

Safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Berkeley

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High

Low 169 / 300 High

Violent Crime 164

64% above national avg

Property Crime 160

60% above national avg

City Ranking

11%

safer than other

Berkeley neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Berkeley

Is South Berkeley Safe?

Not really — crime is above the national average. South Berkeley in Berkeley, CA has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 169, which is 69% above the national average of 100. South Berkeley is safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Berkeley.

Compared to the Berkeley average (crime index 118), South Berkeley is 51% 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: 175, 75% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 134).

Highest Risk

Assault · Index 175 (75% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Burglary · Index 134 (34% above avg)

South Berkeley Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Berkeley	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	171	+71%	+45%	High
Assault	175	+75%	+36%	High
Robbery	159	+59%	+45%	High
Rape	150	+50%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	134	+34%	+20%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	173	+73%	+28%	High
Vehicle Theft	173	+73%	+39%	High

How South Berkeley Compares

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

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

South 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

South Berkeley Demographics & Context

Population

14,160

Median Income

$62,507

Home Value

$1,233,010

Median Age

Pop. Density

16,893/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 28.7%

Graduate Degree 25.7%

Housing

30%

70%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 40.3%

Black 24.1%

Hispanic 14.6%

Asian 14.8%

Nearby Neighborhoods

LeConte / South Index: 155

B-

West Berkeley Index: 159

Central Berkeley Index: 155

B-

Downtown Berkeley Index: 189

Elmwood Index: 160

B-

South Campus Index: 109

C+

Berkeley Oceanview Index: 167

C-

Claremont Index: 87

South 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 South Berkeley, Berkeley?

South Berkeley in Berkeley, CA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 169, which is 69% above the national average. Compared to the Berkeley average, crime in South Berkeley is 51% higher. South Berkeley is safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Berkeley.

Is South Berkeley a safe neighborhood in Berkeley?

South Berkeley has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Assault (index: 175), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 134). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Berkeley.

How does South Berkeley compare to the rest of Berkeley?

South Berkeley's overall crime index is 169, compared to the Berkeley average of 118. This means crime in South Berkeley is 51% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 164, and for property crime it is 160. 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 South Berkeley?

The most prevalent crime type in South Berkeley is Assault, with a crime index of 175 (75% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near South Berkeley?

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

What are the demographics of South Berkeley?

South Berkeley has a population of approximately 14,160. The median household income is $62,507. The median home value is $1,233,010. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does South Berkeley crime compare to the national average?

South Berkeley's overall crime rate is 69% above the national average (index 169 vs 100). Within Berkeley, it is safer than 11% 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.