Petaluma, CA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 68% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Petaluma Safe?
Yes — Petaluma has good safety overall
A city with below-average crime rates, though some neighborhoods may differ.
Petaluma has a crime rate that is 34% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 313.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Western earn an A safety grade, while Waterfront rates B-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Petaluma.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 313
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
16% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 60
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
9% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Petaluma Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
107 | +7% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
46 | -54% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
85 | -15% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Petaluma Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Petaluma?
Safety varies dramatically across Petaluma's 8+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 8Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 8Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 8 neighborhoods in Petaluma
All Petaluma Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western | A | 57 |
| 2 | Oakhill Brewster | A | 102 |
| 3 | College | A | 32 |
| 4 | Adobe | A | 56 |
| 5 | Maker Alley | A | 57 |
| 6 | Midtown | A- | 106 |
| 7 | Downtown Petaluma | A- | 165 |
| 8 | Waterfront | B- | 182 |
Petaluma Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Petaluma zip codes.
Petaluma Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Petaluma, CA?
Petaluma, CA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 34% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 313 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 60 chance for property crime. Petaluma has lower crime than 68% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Petaluma, CA safe to live in?
Petaluma is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B. Approximately 100% of the city's 8 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Western is one of the safest areas, while Waterfront has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Petaluma is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Petaluma?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Petaluma are Western, Oakhill Brewster, College, Adobe, and Maker Alley. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Petaluma?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Petaluma include Waterfront, Downtown Petaluma, Midtown, Maker Alley, and Adobe. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Petaluma?
The estimated violent crime rate in Petaluma is 319.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 16% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 313 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.8 per 100K (24% below average); aggravated assault at 220.2 per 100K (18% below average); robbery at 59.1 per 100K (20% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Petaluma?
The estimated property crime rate in Petaluma is 1,670.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 9% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 60 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 124.1 per 100K (54% below average); larceny/theft at 1,273.9 per 100K (9% below average); vehicle theft at 272.2 per 100K (15% below average).
How does Petaluma crime compare to the national average?
Petaluma's overall crime rate is 34% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (7% above average), while burglary is 54% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Petaluma has lower crime than 68% of them.
Is Petaluma safe to visit?
Petaluma is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 9% 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 Western, Oakhill Brewster, College.
How does Petaluma crime compare to the rest of California?
California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Petaluma's crime rate is 34% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.
What type of crime is most common in Petaluma?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Petaluma, with an estimated rate of 1,273.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 9% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,670 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (319 per 100K) in Petaluma, which is consistent with national trends.