Crime Safety Grade

A-

Palo Alto, CA Crime Rate

Lower crime than 80% of U.S. cities

Safety varies across 28+ neighborhoods — see the safest areas below

Is Palo Alto Safe?

With an overall crime index of 79, Palo Alto has a 21% lower crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 313. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Palo Verde earning an A+ grade while Monroe Park rates B-.

Crime Index Comparison

Palo Alto

California Avg

109

National Avg

100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index

21% below average

Violent Crime

20% below average

Property Crime

15% below average

Safe Areas

100%

Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Palo Alto

1 in 313

Property crime: 1 in 294

Where Is It Safe in Palo Alto?

Safest Neighborhoods

Palo Verde

Median income: $224,654

A+ 2

Southgate

Median income: $188,858

A 3

Leland Manor

Median income: $223,553

A 4

Duveneck / St. Francis

Median income: $201,004

A 5

Triple El

Median income: $219,140

A 6

Old Palo Alto

Median income: $225,060

A 7

Crescent Park

Median income: $277,452

A 8

Community Center

Median income: $222,984

A 9

Esther Clark Park

Median income: $178,273

A 10

Professorville

Median income: $260,316

A-

Areas with Higher Crime

B- 2

B- 3

B- 4

B- 5

B- 6

B- 7

B 8

B 9

B 10

Explore the Interactive Crime Map

See neighborhood-level heatmap

Check Registered Offenders

Search offenders near any address

Palo Alto Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk

Assault · 15% above avg

Lowest Risk

Robbery · 37% below avg

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs California
Murder Violent	64	▼ 36%	▼ 34%
Assault Violent	115	▲ 15%	▲ 4%
Robbery Violent	63	▼ 37%	▼ 44%
Burglary Property	91	▼ 9%	▼ 16%
Larceny / Theft Property	98	▼ 2%	▲ 29%
Vehicle Theft Property	67	▼ 33%	▼ 13%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Palo Alto Neighborhoods

#	Neighborhood	Grade	Crime Index	Median Income
1	Palo Verde	A+	9	$224,654
2	Southgate	A	31	$188,858
3	Leland Manor	A	17	$223,553
4	Duveneck / St. Francis	A	28	$201,004
5	Triple El	A	18	$219,140
6	Old Palo Alto	A	46	$225,060
7	Crescent Park	A	51	$277,452
8	Community Center	A	30	$222,984
9	Esther Clark Park	A	44	$178,273
10	Professorville	A-	65	$260,316
11	Adobe Meadow / Meadow Park	A-	70	$215,760
12	Greenmeadow	A-	24	$168,632
13	Barron Park	A-	45	$130,720
14	South of Midtown	A-	50	$158,175
15	Midtown	A-	53	$179,259
16	Baylands	A-	104	$87,422
17	Palo Alto Orchards	A-	58	$166,171
18	Fairmeadow	B+	85	$131,627
19	Charleston Gardens	B	177	$207,638
20	College Terrace	B	144	$142,245
21	Evergreen Park	B	135	$135,118
22	Ventura	B	104	$121,656
23	Downtown North	B-	174	$114,085
24	Faber	B-	136	$84,205
25	University South	B-	173	$138,240
26	Green Acres	B-	114	$123,764
27	Charleston Meadows	B-	105	$223,015
28	Monroe Park	B-	114	$95,115

Palo Alto Crime by Zip Code

Palo Alto Demographics & Cost of Living

Population

67,973

Median Income

$174,003

Home Value

$2,000,000

Median Rent

$2,679

Home Ownership

56%

Racial Demographics

White

44%

Black

5.3%

Hispanic

22.5%

Asian

29.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Palo Alto?

Palo Alto has an overall crime index of 79, which is below the national average of 100. Approximately 100% of neighborhoods in Palo Alto are rated A or B for safety.

Is Palo Alto safe to live in?

Palo Alto has a crime safety grade of A-. Very low crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Palo Alto?

The safest neighborhoods in Palo Alto based on crime data include Palo Verde, Southgate, Leland Manor, Duveneck / St. Francis, and Triple El. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.

How does Palo Alto crime compare to the national average?

Palo Alto's overall crime index is 79 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 21% lower than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

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Crime Statistics by State

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