| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | San Mateo/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,125 | n/a (estimate) | 2,127 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 26 | n/a | 26.0 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 74 | n/a | 74.1 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 138 | n/a | 138.1 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 243 | n/a (estimate) | 243 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 98 | n/a | 98.1 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,577 | n/a | 1,578.1 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 207 | n/a | 207.1 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,882 | n/a (estimate) | 1,883 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in San Mateo is 0.4% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In San Mateo, there were 243 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 243 per 100,000 individuals, 32.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1882 property crimes, amounting to 1883 per 100,000 residents, 7% higher than the U.S. average.
When evaluating the San Mateo crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported San Mateo crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
San Mateo exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1883 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that San Mateo maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of San Mateo residents. Out of the respondents (28 in total), 79% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in San Mateo were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 21% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in San Mateo, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. San Mateo presents a total crime rate that is 0% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, San Mateo experiences an average of 5.82 daily crimes, comprising 0.67 violent incidents and 5.16 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in San Mateo. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in San Mateo has decreased by 17.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 11.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 18.4%. 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.
The San Mateo region comprises an array of over 13 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in San Mateo are exemplars such as San Mateo Park, Baywood Park and East San Mateo, whereas Downtown, Haywood Park and Baywood-Aragon grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.
San Mateo has a poverty rate that stands at 7.8, 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 San Mateo 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.
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 Mateo crime rates. The population density in San Mateo is 8746.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in San Mateo stands at $2,159,460, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
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 | San Mateo | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 137 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 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 |
| San Mateo, CA | 106,097 | 243 | 1,883 | 2,127 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Las Cruces, NM | 106,024 | 720 | 4,873 | 5,593 |
| Rialto, CA | 106,524 | 642 | 2,395 | 3,037 |
| Burbank, CA | 106,568 | 391 | 3,072 | 3,462 |
| El Cajon, CA | 105,484 | 434 | 1,500 | 1,935 |
| Davenport, IA | 105,320 | 581 | 3,541 | 4,122 |
| San Mateo, CA | 106,097 | 243 | 1,883 | 2,127 |
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