Menlo Park, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Menlo Park, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 23% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 272 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 52 chance for property crime. Menlo Park has lower crime than 53% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Menlo Park is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 100% of the city's 16 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Central Menlo Park is one of the safest areas, while Downtown Menlo Park has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Menlo Park is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Menlo Park are Central Menlo Park, Suburban Park / Lorelei Manor / Flood Triangle, Allied Arts, University Heights, and Menlo Oaks. 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 Menlo Park include Downtown Menlo Park, Belle Haven, Vintage Oaks, The Willows, and Sharon Heights. 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 Menlo Park is 367.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 3% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 272 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.0 per 100K (21% below average); aggravated assault at 276.9 per 100K (3% above average); robbery at 67.4 per 100K (9% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Menlo Park is 1,915.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 5% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 52 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 205.5 per 100K (24% below average); larceny/theft at 1,419.3 per 100K (1% above average); vehicle theft at 290.8 per 100K (9% below average).

Menlo Park's overall crime rate is 23% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (3% above average), while rape is 43% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Menlo Park has lower crime than 53% of them.

Menlo Park is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 5% 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 Central Menlo Park, Suburban Park / Lorelei Manor / Flood Triangle, Allied Arts.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Menlo Park's crime rate is 23% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Menlo Park, with an estimated rate of 1,419.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 1% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,916 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (368 per 100K) in Menlo Park, which is consistent with national trends.