West Berkeley Neighborhood, Berkeley

Crime Rate & Statistics

Average crime levels — comparable to the national average

Safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Berkeley

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High

Low 159 / 300 High

Violent Crime 142

42% above national avg

Property Crime 146

46% above national avg

City Ranking

21%

safer than other

Berkeley neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Berkeley

Is West Berkeley Safe?

It's average — crime is comparable to the national average. West Berkeley in Berkeley, CA has a safety grade of C. The overall crime index is 159, which is 59% above the national average of 100. West Berkeley is safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Berkeley.

Compared to the Berkeley average (crime index 118), West Berkeley is 41% 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: 166, 66% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 119).

Highest Risk

Assault · Index 166 (66% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Robbery · Index 119 (19% above avg)

West 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	151	+51%	+25%	High
Assault	166	+66%	+27%	High
Robbery	119	+19%	+5%	Moderate
Rape	132	+32%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	122	+22%	+8%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	159	+59%	+14%	High
Vehicle Theft	158	+58%	+24%	High

How West Berkeley Compares

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

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

West 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

West Berkeley Demographics & Context

Population

11,163

Median Income

$67,467

Home Value

$1,162,182

Median Age

Pop. Density

15,481/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 29.8%

Graduate Degree 22%

Housing

42%

58%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 37.1%

Black 28.4%

Hispanic 15.9%

Asian 14.2%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Central Berkeley Index: 155

B-

Berkeley Oceanview Index: 167

C-

South Berkeley Index: 169

C-

Downtown Berkeley Index: 189

LeConte / South Index: 155

B-

Berkeley Marina Index: 192

C-

Westbrae Index: 99

A-

North Berkeley Index: 141

B-

West 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 West Berkeley, Berkeley?

West Berkeley in Berkeley, CA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime index is 159, which is 59% above the national average. Compared to the Berkeley average, crime in West Berkeley is 41% higher. West Berkeley is safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Berkeley.

Is West Berkeley a safe neighborhood in Berkeley?

West Berkeley has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Assault (index: 166), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 119).

How does West Berkeley compare to the rest of Berkeley?

West Berkeley's overall crime index is 159, compared to the Berkeley average of 118. This means crime in West Berkeley is 41% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 142, and for property crime it is 146. 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 West Berkeley?

The most prevalent crime type in West Berkeley is Assault, with a crime index of 166 (66% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near West Berkeley?

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

What are the demographics of West Berkeley?

West Berkeley has a population of approximately 11,163. The median household income is $67,467. The median home value is $1,162,182. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does West Berkeley crime compare to the national average?

West Berkeley's overall crime rate is 59% above the national average (index 159 vs 100). Within Berkeley, it is safer than 21% 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.