San Bruno, CA Crime Rate & Safety
Higher crime than 69% of major U.S. cities
Safety varies across 13+ neighborhoods — Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is San Bruno Safe?
It's average — crime is at the national average
Crime rates are comparable to the national average. Being aware of your surroundings is advisable.
San Bruno has a crime rate that is 4% above the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 242.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Portola Highlands earn an A+ safety grade, while Bayhill rates C-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting San Bruno.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 242
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
9% higher than national average
Property Crime
1 in 35
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
54% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
San Bruno 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
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
174 | +74% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
San Bruno Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in San Bruno?
Safety varies dramatically across San Bruno's 13+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 10Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 13 neighborhoods in San Bruno
All San Bruno Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portola Highlands | A+ | 34 |
| 2 | Monte Verde | A | 27 |
| 3 | Pacific Heights | A | 53 |
| 4 | Mills Park | A | 41 |
| 5 | Downtown San Bruno | A- | 61 |
| 6 | Belle Air Park | A- | 55 |
| 7 | Huntington Park | A- | 60 |
| 8 | Crestmoor | A- | 63 |
| 9 | Lomita Park | B+ | 72 |
| 10 | Rollingwood | B- | 100 |
| 11 | Golden Gate National Cemetery | C- | 170 |
| 12 | Bayhill | C- | 178 |
| 13 | Tanforan | D+ | 180 |
San Bruno Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific San Bruno zip codes.
San Bruno Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in San Bruno, CA?
San Bruno, CA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 4% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 242 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 35 chance for property crime. San Bruno has higher crime than 69% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is San Bruno, CA safe to live in?
San Bruno has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 77% of the city's 13 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Portola Highlands is one of the safest areas, while Bayhill has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting San Bruno is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in San Bruno?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in San Bruno are Portola Highlands, Monte Verde, Pacific Heights, Mills Park, and Downtown San Bruno. 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 San Bruno?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in San Bruno include Bayhill, Golden Gate National Cemetery, Rollingwood, Lomita Park, and Crestmoor. 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 San Bruno?
The estimated violent crime rate in San Bruno is 413.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 9% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 242 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.5 per 100K (29% above average); aggravated assault at 232.8 per 100K (13% below average); robbery at 128.3 per 100K (74% above average).
What is the property crime rate in San Bruno?
The estimated property crime rate in San Bruno is 2,822.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 54% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 35 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 258.9 per 100K (4% below average); larceny/theft at 2,092.4 per 100K (49% above average); vehicle theft at 471.0 per 100K (48% above average).
How does San Bruno crime compare to the national average?
San Bruno's overall crime rate is 4% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is robbery (74% above average), while assault is 13% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, San Bruno has higher crime than 69% of them.
Is San Bruno safe to visit?
Visitors to San Bruno should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 54% 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 Portola Highlands, Monte Verde, Pacific Heights.
How does San Bruno crime compare to the rest of California?
California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. San Bruno's crime rate is 4% above the national average, which is roughly in line with the state's overall rate.
What type of crime is most common in San Bruno?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in San Bruno, with an estimated rate of 2,092.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 49% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,822 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (414 per 100K) in San Bruno, which is consistent with national trends.