University Square Neighborhood, Riverside
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — significantly above-average crime rates
Summary: University Square, Riverside Crime Rate (2026)
University Square in Riverside, CA has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime index is 194, which is 94% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 13, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Riverside
Is University Square Safe?
No — this is a high-crime area. University Square in Riverside, CA has a safety grade of D. The overall crime index is 194, which is 94% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Riverside average (crime index 84), University Square is 110% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 196, 96% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 127). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
University Square Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Riverside city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Assault
|
192 | +92% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
187 | +87% | High | |
|
Rape
|
195 | +95% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
196 | +96% | High | |
How University Square Compares
Crime index by category: University Square vs Riverside average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
University Square Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
University Square Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in University Square, Riverside?
University Square in Riverside, CA has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime index is 194, which is 94% above the national average. Compared to the Riverside average, crime in University Square is 110% higher.
Is University Square a safe neighborhood in Riverside?
University Square has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 196), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 127).
How does University Square compare to the rest of Riverside?
University Square's overall crime index is 194, compared to the Riverside average of 84. This means crime in University Square is 110% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 192, and for property crime it is 169. 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 Square?
The most prevalent crime type in University Square is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 196 (96% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near University Square?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Eastside, Downtown Riverside, Hunter Industrial Park and Victoria. These areas are close to University Square and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of University Square?
University Square has a population of approximately 290. The median household income is $27,402. The median home value is $422,537. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does University Square crime compare to the national average?
University Square's overall crime rate is 94% above the national average (index 194 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 May 2026.