North Central Neighborhood, San Mateo
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 12% of neighborhoods in San Mateo
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in San Mateo
Is North Central Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. North Central in San Mateo, CA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 114, which is 14% above the national average of 100. North Central is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in San Mateo.
Compared to the San Mateo average (crime index 66), North Central is 48% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 132, 32% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 53). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
North Central 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
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
110 | +10% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
53 | -47% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
How North Central Compares
Crime index by category: North Central vs San Mateo average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
North Central Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
North Central Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in North Central, San Mateo?
North Central in San Mateo, CA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 114, which is 14% above the national average. Compared to the San Mateo average, crime in North Central is 48% higher. North Central is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in San Mateo.
Is North Central a safe neighborhood in San Mateo?
North Central is generally considered a safe neighborhood in San Mateo, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Murder (index: 132), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 53).
How does North Central compare to the rest of San Mateo?
North Central's overall crime index is 114, compared to the San Mateo average of 66. This means crime in North Central is 48% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 110, and for property crime it is 87. 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 North Central?
The most prevalent crime type in North Central is Murder, with a crime index of 132 (32% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near North Central?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Downtown San Mateo, North Shoreview, Baywood and San Mateo Park. These areas are close to North Central and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of North Central?
North Central has a population of approximately 13,175. The median household income is $79,427. The median home value is $953,302. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does North Central crime compare to the national average?
North Central's overall crime rate is 14% above the national average (index 114 vs 100). Within San Mateo, it is safer than 12% 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.