San Rafael, CA Crime Rate & Safety

San Rafael, CA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 10% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 288 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 50 chance for property crime. San Rafael has lower crime than 40% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

San Rafael has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 100% of the city's 10 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Peacock Gap is one of the safest areas, while Downtown San Rafael has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting San Rafael is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in San Rafael are Peacock Gap, Loch Lomond, Glenwood, Forbes / Fairhills, and Dominican / Black Canyon. 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 Rafael include Downtown San Rafael, Gerstle Park, San Rafael, West End, and San Rafael Country Club. 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 Rafael is 347.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 9% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 288 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.0 per 100K (1% below average); aggravated assault at 237.4 per 100K (11% below average); robbery at 76.4 per 100K (3% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in San Rafael is 2,013.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 10% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 50 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 222.2 per 100K (18% below average); larceny/theft at 1,461.8 per 100K (4% above average); vehicle theft at 329.6 per 100K (3% above average).

San Rafael's overall crime rate is 10% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (4% above average), while burglary is 18% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, San Rafael has lower crime than 40% of them.

Visitors to San Rafael should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 10% 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 Peacock Gap, Loch Lomond, Glenwood.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. San Rafael's crime rate is 10% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in San Rafael, with an estimated rate of 1,461.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 4% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,014 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (348 per 100K) in San Rafael, which is consistent with national trends.