| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Foster City/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 349 | n/a (estimate) | 1,118 | 2,834 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 6.4 | 36.4 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 19.2 | 128.3 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 22.4 | 338.6 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 48 | 508 | 364 |
| Burglary | 35 | n/a | 112.1 | 347.4 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 268 | n/a | 858.2 | 1,466.0 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 31 | n/a | 99.3 | 512.2 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 334 | n/a (estimate) | 1,070 | 2,326 | 1,917 |
The Foster City crime rates are 41.5% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 42 violent crimes in Foster City (134 per 100,000 people), which is 63.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 385 property crimes (1227 per 100,000 residents) which is 37.2% lower than average.
During the most recently reported crime year, Foster City experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
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.
To determine if Foster City is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Foster City has a total crime rate that is 41% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.17 daily crimes (0.12 violent daily crimes and 1.05 daily property crimes) in Foster City.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Foster City crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Foster City has decreased by 18.4% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 2.4% and property crime has decreased by 20.1%.
Foster City has a poverty rate that stands at 3.2, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Foster City crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Foster City, 95.6% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Foster City, the average monthly rent stands at $3,303, while the national average is $949 per month.
| 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 | 1,385 | 71 | 326 | 398 |
| Montara, CA | 2,833 | 80 | 365 | 445 |
| Loyola, CA | 3,404 | 97 | 443 | 540 |
| West Menlo Park, CA | 3,720 | 97 | 443 | 540 |
| Moss Beach, CA | 3,436 | 97 | 443 | 540 |
| Portola Valley, CA | 4,568 | 132 | 604 | 736 |
| Highlands-Baywood Park, CA | 4,261 | 132 | 604 | 736 |
| Foster City, CA | 33,056 | 48 | 1,070 | 1,118 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Houma, LA | 33,053 | 609 | 3,536 | 4,145 |
| Fruit Cove, FL | 33,038 | 125 | 655 | 780 |
| Douglasville, GA | 33,035 | 467 | 4,748 | 5,215 |
| Andover, MN | 33,019 | 155 | 1,008 | 1,162 |
| Fair Lawn, NJ | 32,986 | 73 | 885 | 958 |
| Foster City, CA | 33,056 | 48 | 1,070 | 1,118 |
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