Is Oakland, California Safe? Understanding Crime Rates and Safety Tips

Oakland, California, has a high crime rate, way above the national and state averages. Not only are the property crimes extremely high, but the violent crimes are also extremely high. But these are localized and limited to certain areas.

In this article, we will discuss how safe Oakland is. We will share recent crime rates and statistics, along with the crime trend. We will also share some safety tips to keep you safe.

Is Oakland, California Safe?

Oakland has an extremely high violent crime rate (VCR) of 35.65 per 1,000 residents. It's nearly 9 times the national average of 4. The reported violent crimes include 119 murders, 375 rapes, 3,863 robberies, and 11,204 assault cases.

The property crime rate (PCR) is also elevated. The rate is 100.03, which is 5 times the national average. The city is notorious for property crimes, with 3,902 burglaries, 22,940 thefts, and 16,821 motor vehicle thefts in a year.

Source: NeighborhoodScout

Common Crime Rate of Oakland, California

For residents and visitors, the most frequent threat is to property, not the person. The epidemic of vehicle break-ins, locally termed "bipping", is the city's most pervasive crime, impacting nearly every neighborhood. Larceny and residential package theft follow closely, creating an environment where securing belongings requires constant, proactive effort.

Violent crime, while less common than property crime, presents a grave concern due to its severity. Aggregated assaults and armed robberies are the predominant forms, often linked to specific areas and circumstances rather than random city-wide violence.

Source: OPD Crime Dashboards and city-wide crime trend analyses.

Where Not to Stay in Oakland, California?

The parts of East Oakland and West Oakland are at higher risk. The reason is that they are away from major revitalization corridors.
You must avoid the following areas

• Coliseum Area
• Parts of Deep East Oakland
• Ghost town
• Braftoft

These areas consistently report elevated levels of both violent and property crime. They are not recommended for tourists or those unfamiliar with the city.

While selecting a safe area, look at visual cues. A scarcity of open businesses, sparse foot traffic after dark, and visible property neglect can serve as indirect risk indicators. Prioritizing accommodations in vibrant, mixed-use districts with active street life and community presence will substantially improve your security and overall experience.

Key Safety Tips to Stay in Oakland, California

Living or visiting safely in Oakland isn't about fear; it's about strategy. Integrating these proactive measures into your daily rhythm transforms your personal security from a worry into a practiced skill.

• Before you park, ensure the cabin and trunk are utterly empty, no bags, jackets, or electronics. This eliminates the temptation that fuels Oakland's most common crime.

• Walk with your head up, phone away, and senses engaged. Make casual eye contact, vary your routes, and project calm awareness. You are far less likely to be targeted when you appear alert and intentional.

• When unloading your car, reverse the typical order. Bring your valuables (purse, laptop) inside first, then return for your groceries. This ensures your most important items are never left unattended, even for a moment, in a vulnerable vehicle.

• Beyond good locks and lights, create a visible technological deterrent. The Reolink Duo 3V PoE provides an unparalleled sightline with its 16MP Ultra HD, 180° panoramic view, and rugged IK10 vandal-proof build, making your property a markedly harder target.

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• Plug into local digital neighborhoods via apps like Nextdoor or Citizens. Real-time alerts about suspicious activity or local incidents create a powerful, community-wide early warning system.
• For your home, use smart plugs or lights on timers or voice-control systems to create the appearance of activity when you're away. A predictable, dark house is a target; a home with lights that turn on and off at varying times signals occupancy and deters burglars.

FAQs

Is Oakland, California, safe from fires?

The eastern hills face significant wildfire risk, with a traumatic history. While forest management has improved, hillside residents must maintain defensible space and have a prepared evacuation plan.

Is Oakland safer than San Francisco?

Oakland struggles more with violent crime, while San Francisco contends with pervasive property crime. Still, San Francisco is considered safer than Oakland.

Is it safe to walk around Oakland at night?

In commercial districts like Uptown, Temescal, or Rockridge, with other people present, it is safe to walk at night. It is ill-advised in isolated, dimly-lit areas or neighborhoods with known high crime rates after dark.

What part of Oakland is safest?

The Oakland Hills neighborhoods, such as Montclair and Redwood Heights, consistently record the lowest crime rates, benefiting from geography, socioeconomics, and strong community ties.

Conclusion

Oakland's crime rate is significantly high. Both the violent and property crime rates are alarming. Because of the elevated crime rate, it's safer than 0% of the US cities. Whether you are visiting or moving to Oakland, you need to take safety measures. You have to do everything you can to avoid being a victim of crime.