Downtown North Neighborhood, Palo Alto

Crime Rate & Statistics

B-

Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels

Safer than 18% of neighborhoods in Palo Alto

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 174 / 300 High
Violent Crime 121
21% above national avg
Property Crime 140
40% above national avg
City Ranking
18%
safer than other
Palo Alto neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Palo Alto

Is Downtown North Safe?

Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Downtown North in Palo Alto, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 174, which is 74% above the national average of 100. Downtown North is safer than 18% of neighborhoods in Palo Alto.

Compared to the Palo Alto average (crime index 79), Downtown North is 95% 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: 185, 85% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 51).

Highest Risk
Assault · Index 185 (85% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Robbery · Index 51 (49% below avg)

Downtown North Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Palo Alto city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
162 +62% High
Assault
185 +85% High
Robbery
51 -49% Low
Rape
87 -13% Average
Property Crime
Burglary
154 +54% High
Larceny / Theft
136 +36% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
129 +29% Moderate

How Downtown North Compares

Crime index by category: Downtown North vs Palo Alto average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Downtown North 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

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Downtown North Demographics & Context

Population
3,380
Median Income
$114,085
Home Value
$2,541,016
Median Age
48
Pop. Density
13,095/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 36.8%
Graduate Degree 52.3%

Housing

24%
76%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 65%
Black 1.9%
Hispanic 5.2%
Asian 23.9%

Nearby Neighborhoods

University South Index: 173
B-
Professorville Index: 65
A-
Crescent Park Index: 51
A
Community Center Index: 30
A
Southgate Index: 31
A
Old Palo Alto Index: 46
A
Leland Manor Index: 17
A
Duveneck / St. Francis Index: 28
A
Downtown North Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Palo Alto Crime Statistics
View all Palo Alto neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Downtown North, Palo Alto?

Downtown North in Palo Alto, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 174, which is 74% above the national average. Compared to the Palo Alto average, crime in Downtown North is 95% higher. Downtown North is safer than 18% of neighborhoods in Palo Alto.

Is Downtown North a safe neighborhood in Palo Alto?

Downtown North is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Palo Alto, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 185), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 51).

How does Downtown North compare to the rest of Palo Alto?

Downtown North's overall crime index is 174, compared to the Palo Alto average of 79. This means crime in Downtown North is 95% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 121, and for property crime it is 140. 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 Downtown North?

The most prevalent crime type in Downtown North is Assault, with a crime index of 185 (85% 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 Downtown North?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include University South, Professorville, Crescent Park and Community Center. These areas are close to Downtown North and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Downtown North?

Downtown North has a population of approximately 3,380. The median household income is $114,085. The median home value is $2,541,016. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Downtown North crime compare to the national average?

Downtown North's overall crime rate is 74% above the national average (index 174 vs 100). Within Palo Alto, it is safer than 18% 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.