Sunnyvale, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Sunnyvale, CA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 25% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 209 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 41 chance for property crime. Sunnyvale has higher crime than 81% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Sunnyvale has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 100% of the city's 9 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, De Anza is one of the safest areas, while Ponderosa has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Sunnyvale is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Sunnyvale are De Anza, Raynor, Ortega, Serra, and West Murphy. 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 Sunnyvale include Ponderosa, Washington, East Murphy, Lakewood, and West Murphy. 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 Sunnyvale is 478.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 26% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 209 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.9 per 100K (38% above average); aggravated assault at 363.1 per 100K (35% above average); robbery at 78.8 per 100K (7% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Sunnyvale is 2,448.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 34% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 41 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 275.9 per 100K (2% above average); larceny/theft at 1,736.6 per 100K (24% above average); vehicle theft at 436.2 per 100K (37% above average).

Sunnyvale's overall crime rate is 25% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is murder (38% above average), while rape is 12% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Sunnyvale has higher crime than 81% of them.

Visitors to Sunnyvale should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 34% 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 De Anza, Raynor, Ortega.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Sunnyvale's crime rate is 25% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Sunnyvale, with an estimated rate of 1,736.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 24% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,449 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (478 per 100K) in Sunnyvale, which is consistent with national trends.