Atherton Neighborhood, San Marcos
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 35% of neighborhoods in San Marcos
Safety at a Glance
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in San Marcos
Is Atherton Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Atherton in San Marcos, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 56, which is 44% below the national average of 100. Atherton is safer than 35% of neighborhoods in San Marcos.
Compared to the San Marcos average (crime index 57), Atherton is 1% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 97, 3% below average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 8). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Atherton Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and San Marcos city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
40 | -60% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
39 | -61% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
53 | -47% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
8 | -92% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
50 | -50% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
How Atherton Compares
Crime index by category: Atherton vs San Marcos average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Atherton Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Atherton Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Atherton, San Marcos?
Atherton in San Marcos, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 56, which is 44% below the national average. Compared to the San Marcos average, crime in Atherton is 1% lower. Atherton is safer than 35% of neighborhoods in San Marcos.
Is Atherton a safe neighborhood in San Marcos?
Atherton is generally considered a safe neighborhood in San Marcos, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 97), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 8).
How does Atherton compare to the rest of San Marcos?
Atherton's overall crime index is 56, compared to the San Marcos average of 57. This means crime in Atherton is 1% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 35, and for property crime it is 68. 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 Atherton?
The most prevalent crime type in Atherton is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 97 (3% below the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Atherton?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Meridian, Terraza, Belmont and Mariners Landing. These areas are close to Atherton and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Atherton?
Atherton has a population of approximately 72. The median household income is $131,442. The median home value is $1,384,507. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Atherton crime compare to the national average?
Atherton's overall crime rate is 44% below the national average (index 56 vs 100). Within San Marcos, it is safer than 35% of neighborhoods. 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 April 2026.