San Francisco, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in San Francisco, CA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the San Francisco crime rate is higher than the national average by 198.7%. Specifically, there were 5323 violent crimes in San Francisco, equivalent to 696 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 88.2%. Furthermore, San Francisco recorded 47759 property crimes, amounting to 6246 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 219.6%.

Having a crime rate of 6942 per 100,000 residents, San Francisco experiences a crime rate that is 198.67% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, San Francisco contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

With a property crime rate of 6246 crimes per 100,000 people, San Francisco unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in San Francisco is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 17, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and San Francisco faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 6282 vehicle thefts, translating to 822 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places San Francisco in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 122.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in San Francisco?

What is the prevailing sentiment among San Francisco residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 533 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 20% of San Francisco residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 80% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is San Francisco a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in San Francisco, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. San Francisco presents a total crime rate that is 199% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, San Francisco experiences an average of 145.43 daily crimes, comprising 14.58 violent incidents and 130.85 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in San Francisco Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in San Francisco. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in San Francisco has increased by 21.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 11%, while property crimes have increased by 23.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

San Francisco Neighborhood Crime Rates

There are more than 34 different neighborhoods in the San Francisco area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in San Francisco include Noe Valley, Inner Sunset and Presidio Heights. While Mission, Bayview and Downtown have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.

Potential Causes for Crime in San Francisco

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower San Francisco crime rates. In San Francisco, the poverty rate stands at 10.1%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower San Francisco crime rates. The population density in San Francisco is 18646.5 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In San Francisco, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3.17, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

San Francisco crime map