El Cerrito Neighborhood, Palo Alto
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Palo Alto
Is El Cerrito Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. El Cerrito in Palo Alto, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 112, which is 12% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Palo Alto average (crime index 79), El Cerrito is 33% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 183, 83% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 21). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
El Cerrito 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
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
141 | +41% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
21 | -79% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
How El Cerrito Compares
Crime index by category: El Cerrito vs Palo Alto average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
El Cerrito Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
El Cerrito Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in El Cerrito, Palo Alto?
El Cerrito in Palo Alto, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 112, which is 12% above the national average. Compared to the Palo Alto average, crime in El Cerrito is 33% higher.
Is El Cerrito a safe neighborhood in Palo Alto?
El Cerrito is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Palo Alto, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 183), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 21).
How does El Cerrito compare to the rest of Palo Alto?
El Cerrito's overall crime index is 112, compared to the Palo Alto average of 79. This means crime in El Cerrito is 33% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 104, and for property crime it is 148. 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 El Cerrito?
The most prevalent crime type in El Cerrito is Burglary, with a crime index of 183 (83% 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 El Cerrito?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Green Acres, Barron Park, Palo Alto Orchards and Charleston Meadows. These areas are close to El Cerrito and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of El Cerrito?
El Cerrito has a population of approximately 144. The median household income is $125,189. The median home value is $3,909,291. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does El Cerrito crime compare to the national average?
El Cerrito's overall crime rate is 12% above the national average (index 112 vs 100). 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.