Palo Alto, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Palo Alto, 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 279 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 55 chance for property crime. Palo Alto has lower crime than 53% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Palo Alto is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 100% of the city's 28 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Palo Verde is one of the safest areas, while Monroe Park has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Palo Alto is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Palo Alto are Palo Verde, Southgate, Leland Manor, Duveneck / St. Francis, and Triple El. 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 Palo Alto include Monroe Park, Charleston Meadows, Green Acres, University South, and Faber. 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 Palo Alto is 358.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 6% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 279 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.3 per 100K (33% below average); aggravated assault at 301.7 per 100K (13% above average); robbery at 40.5 per 100K (45% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Palo Alto is 1,829.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 0% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 55 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 221.7 per 100K (18% below average); larceny/theft at 1,398.9 per 100K (0% below average); vehicle theft at 209.0 per 100K (34% below average).

Palo Alto's overall crime rate is 23% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (13% above average), while rape is 62% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Palo Alto has lower crime than 53% of them.

Palo Alto is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 0% below 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 Palo Verde, Southgate, Leland Manor.

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

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Palo Alto, with an estimated rate of 1,398.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 0% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,830 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (358 per 100K) in Palo Alto, which is consistent with national trends.