Oakland, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Oakland, CA has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 219% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 88 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 18 chance for property crime. Oakland has higher crime than 99% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Oakland has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Approximately 47% of the city's 129 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Mills College is one of the safest areas, while Downtown Oakland has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Oakland is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Oakland are Mills College, Oakland International Airport, Piedmont Pines, Upper Rockridge, and Joaquin Miller Park. 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 Oakland include Downtown Oakland, Chinatown, Acorn, Oak Center, and Lockwood-Tevis. 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 Oakland is 1,136.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 199% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 88 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 14.8 per 100K (196% above average); aggravated assault at 867.3 per 100K (223% above average); robbery at 170.5 per 100K (131% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Oakland is 5,701.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 211% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 18 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 628.4 per 100K (133% above average); larceny/theft at 4,121.4 per 100K (194% above average); vehicle theft at 951.7 per 100K (199% above average).

Oakland's overall crime rate is 219% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (223% above average), while robbery is 131% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Oakland has higher crime than 99% of them.

Visitors to Oakland should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 211% 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 Mills College, Oakland International Airport, Piedmont Pines.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Oakland's crime rate is 219% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Oakland, with an estimated rate of 4,121.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 194% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (5,702 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (1,137 per 100K) in Oakland, which is consistent with national trends.