| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Foster City/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 234 | n/a (estimate) | 739 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 6.3 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 22.1 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 41.0 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 22 | n/a (estimate) | 69 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 22.1 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 176 | n/a | 555.6 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 29 | n/a | 91.5 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 212 | n/a (estimate) | 669 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Foster City is 65.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 22 violent crimes reported in Foster City, equivalent to 69 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 80.7%. Additionally, Foster City recorded 212 property crimes, amounting to 669 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 62%.
Boasting a crime rate of 739, well below the national average of 2119, Foster City emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Foster City to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
Foster City distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 69 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Foster City among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Foster City registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Foster City has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 669 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Foster City remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Foster City residents. Out of the respondents (18 in total), 56% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Foster City were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 44% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Foster City a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Foster City has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 65%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.64 daily incidents, encompassing 0.06 violent crimes and 0.58 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Foster City as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Foster City has decreased by 55.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Foster City is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 46.3%, while property crime has decreased by 56%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Foster City.
In Foster City, the poverty rate currently stands at 3.2%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Foster City crime rates.
In Foster City, the cost of living is 182.43% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Foster City, there are 1.54 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Foster City | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 48 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ladera, CA | 1,422 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Montara, CA | 2,902 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Los Altos Hills, CA | 8,670 | 49 | 358 | 408 |
| Loyola, CA | 3,526 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| West Menlo Park, CA | 3,818 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Moss Beach, CA | 3,550 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Portola Valley, CA | 4,678 | 126 | 540 | 666 |
| Foster City, CA | 34,247 | 69 | 669 | 739 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lake Stevens, WA | 34,189 | 117 | 649 | 766 |
| Douglasville, GA | 34,322 | 532 | 4,636 | 5,168 |
| Prairieville, LA | 34,153 | 225 | 992 | 1,217 |
| Mason, OH | 34,386 | 36 | 529 | 565 |
| Baldwin, NY | 34,096 | 238 | 1,078 | 1,316 |
| Foster City, CA | 34,247 | 69 | 669 | 739 |
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