C
14%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
18%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
20%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSan Mateo/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime2,632n/a (estimate)2,6542,8432,324
Murder1n/a1.05.76.3
Rape30n/a30.237.440.0
Robbery63n/a63.5123.566.1
Assault208n/a209.7332.8268.2
Violent crime302n/a (estimate)304500370
Burglary536n/a540.4371.9269.8
Theft1,451n/a1,462.91,499.31,401.9
Vehicle theft343n/a345.8471.9282.7
Property crime2,330n/a (estimate)2,3492,3431,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in San Mateo, 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 Mateo crime rate is higher than the national average by 14.2%. Specifically, there were 302 violent crimes in San Mateo, equivalent to 304 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 17.7%. Furthermore, San Mateo recorded 2330 property crimes, amounting to 2349 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 20.2%.

In terms of the total San Mateo crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in San Mateo, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in San Mateo?

What is the prevailing sentiment among San Mateo residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 28 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 79% of San Mateo 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, 21% 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 Mateo a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is San Mateo a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the San Mateo crime rate is 14% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 7.21 crimes per day - 0.83 violent crimes and 6.38 property crimes.

Has Crime in San Mateo Increased Since Last Year?

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 increased by 2%. Violent crimes have increased by 10.2%, while property crimes have increased by 1%. 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 Mateo Neighborhood Crime Rates

The San Mateo area comprises a diverse array of over 13 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: San Mateo Park, East San Mateo and Baywood Park which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Downtown, Haywood Park and Baywood-Aragon exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different San Mateo neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in San Mateo

San Mateo has a population density of 8539.5 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower San Mateo crime rates.

In San Mateo, the cost of living is 104.49% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

San Mateo has an average rental rate of $2,658 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

San Mateo crime map



The San Mateo crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in San Mateo as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The San Mateo crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the San Mateo crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare San Mateo, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • San Mateo crime rates are 14% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in San Mateo are 18% lower than the national average
      • In San Mateo you have a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • San Mateo is safer than 31% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in San Mateo has increased by 8%

      San Mateo, CA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In San Mateo (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in San Mateo, per 100,000 residents. In San Mateo, the total number of daily crimes is 1.07 times less than the California average and 1.14 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in San Mateo are 1.64 times less than the California average and 1.21 times less than the national average. For property crime, San Mateo has a daily crime rate that is 1.00 times more than the California average and 1.20 times more than the daily national average.

        How Safe is San Mateo (higher is better)

        How safe is San Mateo, California compared to other cities in California and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that San Mateo is safer than 53% of the cities in California and 31% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in California and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than San Mateo. Overall, San Mateo is ranked below average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in San Mateo

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in San Mateo is 1 in 329
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in San Mateo is 1 in 43
        The chance of being a victim of crime in San Mateo is 1 in 38
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in San Mateo? If you reside in San Mateo, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 329. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 43 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in San Mateo, is 1 in 38.

        Year Over Year Crime In San Mateo (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in San Mateo, CA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in San Mateo has increased by 17%, while the property crime rate in San Mateo has increased by 7% year over year. Summing up the numbers, San Mateo has increased by 8% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        San Mateo police department

        Item San Mateo California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)13751,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.43.63.3
        There are a total of 137 San Mateo police officers. This results in 1.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 61.8% less than the California average and 57.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Ladera, CA1,38570329399
        Montara, CA2,83378368446
        Moss Beach, CA3,43695446542
        Loyola, CA3,40495446542
        West Menlo Park, CA3,72095446542
        Portola Valley, CA4,568130609738
        Emerald Lake Hills, CA4,893130609738
        San Mateo, CA103,6193042,3492,654

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Rialto, CA103,5495022,9033,405
        Burbank, CA103,4113102,7233,033
        El Cajon, CA103,2494691,6092,078
        Allen, TX104,0402231,1881,411
        Las Cruces, NM102,9506175,3405,957
        San Mateo, CA103,6193042,3492,654
        Source: The San Mateo, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.