San Carlos, CA Crime Rate & Safety

San Carlos, CA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 43% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 300 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 81 chance for property crime. San Carlos has lower crime than 80% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

San Carlos is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B+. Approximately 100% of the city's 7 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Alder Manor is one of the safest areas, while East Belmont has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting San Carlos is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in San Carlos are Alder Manor, El Sereno Corte, Beverly Terrace, Clearfield Park, and North San Carlos. 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 San Carlos include East Belmont, Howard Park, North San Carlos, Clearfield Park, and Beverly Terrace. 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 San Carlos is 333.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 13% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 300 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.9 per 100K (42% below average); aggravated assault at 266.9 per 100K (1% below average); robbery at 50.2 per 100K (32% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in San Carlos is 1,242.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 32% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 81 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 255.3 per 100K (5% below average); larceny/theft at 816.5 per 100K (42% below average); vehicle theft at 170.2 per 100K (47% below average).

San Carlos's overall crime rate is 43% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (1% below average), while rape is 61% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, San Carlos has lower crime than 80% of them.

San Carlos is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 32% 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 Alder Manor, El Sereno Corte, Beverly Terrace.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. San Carlos's crime rate is 43% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in San Carlos, with an estimated rate of 816.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 42% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,242 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (333 per 100K) in San Carlos, which is consistent with national trends.