Walnut Creek, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Walnut Creek, CA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 35% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 339 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 68 chance for property crime. Walnut Creek has lower crime than 69% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Walnut Creek is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B. Approximately 100% of the city's 33 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Livorna is one of the safest areas, while Diablo Hills has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Walnut Creek is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Walnut Creek are Livorna, Rudgear Meadows, The Woodlands, Northgate, and Rancho Paraiso. 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 Walnut Creek include Diablo Hills, Downtown Walnut Creek, Lower Lakewood, Walnut Ave., and Hedgewood. 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 Walnut Creek is 294.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 23% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 339 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.2 per 100K (35% below average); aggravated assault at 246.0 per 100K (8% below average); robbery at 38.0 per 100K (49% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Walnut Creek is 1,466.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 20% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 68 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 166.4 per 100K (38% below average); larceny/theft at 1,108.7 per 100K (21% below average); vehicle theft at 191.6 per 100K (40% below average).

Walnut Creek's overall crime rate is 35% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (8% below average), while rape is 77% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Walnut Creek has lower crime than 69% of them.

Walnut Creek is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 20% below 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 Livorna, Rudgear Meadows, The Woodlands.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Walnut Creek's crime rate is 35% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Walnut Creek, with an estimated rate of 1,108.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 21% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,467 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (295 per 100K) in Walnut Creek, which is consistent with national trends.