Redwood City, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Redwood City, CA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 10% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 258 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 41 chance for property crime. Redwood City has higher crime than 73% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Redwood City has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 89% of the city's 19 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Central Woodside is one of the safest areas, while Stambaugh Heller has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Redwood City is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Redwood City are Central Woodside, Emerald Lake Hills, Woodside Heights, Kings Mountain / Skyline, and Farm Hill. 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 Redwood City include Stambaugh Heller, Centennial, Redwood Oaks, Palm Park, and Friendly Acres. 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 Redwood City is 387.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 2% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 258 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.1 per 100K (23% above average); aggravated assault at 268.5 per 100K (0% below average); robbery at 84.8 per 100K (15% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Redwood City is 2,426.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 32% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 41 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 233.7 per 100K (13% below average); larceny/theft at 1,845.3 per 100K (32% above average); vehicle theft at 347.9 per 100K (9% above average).

Redwood City's overall crime rate is 10% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (32% above average), while rape is 16% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Redwood City has higher crime than 73% of them.

Visitors to Redwood City should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 32% above 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 Central Woodside, Emerald Lake Hills, Woodside Heights.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Redwood City's crime rate is 10% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Redwood City, with an estimated rate of 1,845.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 32% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,427 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (388 per 100K) in Redwood City, which is consistent with national trends.