Downtown San Mateo Neighborhood, San Mateo

Crime Rate & Statistics

B-

Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels

Safer than 9% of neighborhoods in San Mateo

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 131 / 300 High
Violent Crime 92
8% below national avg
Property Crime 101
1% above national avg
City Ranking
9%
safer than other
San Mateo neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in San Mateo

Is Downtown San Mateo Safe?

Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Downtown San Mateo in San Mateo, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 131, which is 31% above the national average of 100. Downtown San Mateo is safer than 9% of neighborhoods in San Mateo.

Compared to the San Mateo average (crime index 66), Downtown San Mateo is 65% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 160, 60% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 29).

Highest Risk
Assault · Index 160 (60% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 29 (71% below avg)

Downtown San Mateo Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and San Mateo city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
114 +14% Moderate
Assault
160 +60% High
Robbery
66 -34% Low
Rape
29 -71% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
85 -15% Average
Larceny / Theft
128 +28% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
89 -11% Average

How Downtown San Mateo Compares

Crime index by category: Downtown San Mateo vs San Mateo average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Downtown San Mateo Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Downtown San Mateo Demographics & Context

Population
7,402
Median Income
$78,143
Home Value
$1,072,466
Median Age
39
Pop. Density
17,164/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 23.4%
Graduate Degree 19.2%

Housing

30%
70%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 46.1%
Black 2.5%
Hispanic 30.7%
Asian 21.9%

Nearby Neighborhoods

North Central Index: 114
B+
San Mateo Park Index: 32
A
Baywood Index: 109
A-
North Shoreview Index: 26
A
Hayward Park Index: 120
B+
Aragon Index: 31
A
Sunnybrae / 19th Ave. Park Index: 79
B+
Homestead Index: 31
A
Downtown San Mateo Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
San Mateo Crime Statistics
View all San Mateo neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo?

Downtown San Mateo in San Mateo, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 131, which is 31% above the national average. Compared to the San Mateo average, crime in Downtown San Mateo is 65% higher. Downtown San Mateo is safer than 9% of neighborhoods in San Mateo.

Is Downtown San Mateo a safe neighborhood in San Mateo?

Downtown San Mateo is generally considered a safe neighborhood in San Mateo, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 160), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 29).

How does Downtown San Mateo compare to the rest of San Mateo?

Downtown San Mateo's overall crime index is 131, compared to the San Mateo average of 66. This means crime in Downtown San Mateo is 65% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 92, and for property crime it is 101. 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 Downtown San Mateo?

The most prevalent crime type in Downtown San Mateo is Assault, with a crime index of 160 (60% above 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 Downtown San Mateo?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include North Central, San Mateo Park, Baywood and North Shoreview. These areas are close to Downtown San Mateo and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Downtown San Mateo?

Downtown San Mateo has a population of approximately 7,402. The median household income is $78,143. The median home value is $1,072,466. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Downtown San Mateo crime compare to the national average?

Downtown San Mateo's overall crime rate is 31% above the national average (index 131 vs 100). Within San Mateo, it is safer than 9% 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.