University South Neighborhood, Palo Alto

Crime Rate & Statistics

B-

Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels

Safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Palo Alto

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 173 / 300 High
Violent Crime 154
54% above national avg
Property Crime 158
58% above national avg
City Ranking
11%
safer than other
Palo Alto neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Palo Alto

Is University South Safe?

Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. University South in Palo Alto, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 173, which is 73% above the national average of 100. University South is safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Palo Alto.

Compared to the Palo Alto average (crime index 79), University South is 94% 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: 189, 89% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 127).

Highest Risk
Assault · Index 189 (89% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 127 (27% above avg)

University South 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
166 +66% High
Assault
189 +89% High
Robbery
133 +33% Moderate
Rape
127 +27% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
155 +55% High
Larceny / Theft
160 +60% High
Vehicle Theft
160 +60% High

How University South Compares

Crime index by category: University South vs Palo Alto average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

University South 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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University South Demographics & Context

Population
3,700
Median Income
$138,240
Home Value
$2,738,916
Median Age
43
Pop. Density
10,627/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 22.9%
Graduate Degree 58.5%

Housing

30%
70%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 63.8%
Black 4.6%
Hispanic 6.2%
Asian 21.8%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Downtown North Index: 174
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
Evergreen Park Index: 135
B
University South 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 University South, Palo Alto?

University South in Palo Alto, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 173, which is 73% above the national average. Compared to the Palo Alto average, crime in University South is 94% higher. University South is safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Palo Alto.

Is University South a safe neighborhood in Palo Alto?

University South is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Palo Alto, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 189), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 127).

How does University South compare to the rest of Palo Alto?

University South's overall crime index is 173, compared to the Palo Alto average of 79. This means crime in University South is 94% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 154, and for property crime it is 158. 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 University South?

The most prevalent crime type in University South is Assault, with a crime index of 189 (89% 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 University South?

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

What are the demographics of University South?

University South has a population of approximately 3,700. The median household income is $138,240. The median home value is $2,738,916. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does University South crime compare to the national average?

University South's overall crime rate is 73% above the national average (index 173 vs 100). Within Palo Alto, it is safer than 11% 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.