| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Redwood City/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,675 | n/a (estimate) | 2,092 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 2.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 43 | n/a | 53.7 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 110 | n/a | 137.4 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 223 | n/a | 278.5 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 378 | n/a (estimate) | 472 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 95 | n/a | 118.7 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 998 | n/a | 1,246.6 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 204 | n/a | 254.8 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,297 | n/a (estimate) | 1,620 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

The Redwood City crime rates are 1.3% 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 378 violent crimes in Redwood City (472 per 100,000 people), which is 31.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1297 property crimes (1620 per 100,000 residents) which is 8% lower than average.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Redwood City per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Redwood City crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Redwood City is very similar to the national average. Redwood City had a property crime rate of 1620, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Redwood City residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 20 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 45% of Redwood City 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, 55% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Redwood 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. Redwood City has a total crime rate that is 1% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 4.59 daily crimes (1.04 violent daily crimes and 3.55 daily property crimes) in Redwood City.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Redwood City. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Redwood City has decreased by 0.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 102.1%, while property crimes have decreased by 12.9%. 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.
Redwood City has a poverty rate that stands at 7.6, 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 Redwood 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.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Redwood City currently has an unemployment rate of 2.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Redwood City, the cost of living is 171.73% higher than the national average.

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 | Redwood City | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 115 | 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 |
| La Honda, CA | 1,259 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Ladera, CA | 1,422 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Montara, CA | 2,902 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Los Altos Hills, CA | 8,670 | 49 | 358 | 408 |
| West Menlo Park, CA | 3,818 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Moss Beach, CA | 3,550 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Loyola, CA | 3,526 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Redwood City, CA | 87,093 | 472 | 1,620 | 2,092 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Johns Creek, GA | 87,090 | 36 | 537 | 572 |
| Troy, MI | 87,197 | 116 | 1,277 | 1,392 |
| Bloomington, MN | 87,234 | 312 | 3,464 | 3,776 |
| Alhambra, CA | 86,913 | 225 | 2,451 | 2,675 |
| Hemet, CA | 87,279 | 425 | 1,634 | 2,059 |
| Redwood City, CA | 87,093 | 472 | 1,620 | 2,092 |