| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South San Francisco/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,157 | n/a (estimate) | 1,859 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 22.5 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 22 | n/a | 35.4 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 151 | n/a | 242.7 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 187 | n/a (estimate) | 301 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 64 | n/a | 102.8 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 689 | n/a | 1,107.2 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 217 | n/a | 348.7 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 970 | n/a (estimate) | 1,559 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in South San Francisco is 12.3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 187 violent crimes reported in South San Francisco, equivalent to 301 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 16.3%. Additionally, South San Francisco recorded 970 property crimes, amounting to 1559 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 11.4%.
In terms of the total South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, South San Francisco reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
South San Francisco exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1559 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 South San Francisco maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
What is the prevailing sentiment among South San Francisco residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 46 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 28% of South 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, 72% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether South San Francisco is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, South San Francisco has an overall crime rate that is 12% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.17 daily occurrences, comprising 0.51 violent crimes and 2.66 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of South San Francisco as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in South San Francisco crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in South San Francisco has decreased by 32.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 20.7% and property crime has decreased by 37.8%.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower South San Francisco crime rate. The poverty level in South San Francisco is 6.8%, while the national average is 15.1%.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In South San Francisco, there are 1.68 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In South San Francisco, the average rental rates are $3,380 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

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| Item | South San Francisco | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 109 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Montara, CA | 2,902 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Moss Beach, CA | 3,550 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Marin City, CA | 3,138 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Moraga, CA | 17,346 | 91 | 487 | 578 |
| Emerald Lake Hills, CA | 5,043 | 126 | 540 | 666 |
| Highlands-Baywood Park, CA | 4,411 | 126 | 540 | 666 |
| Foster City, CA | 34,247 | 69 | 669 | 739 |
| South San Francisco, CA | 68,998 | 301 | 1,559 | 1,859 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Alpharetta, GA | 69,031 | 249 | 1,152 | 1,401 |
| Portland, ME | 68,956 | 267 | 2,479 | 2,746 |
| Mount Vernon, NY | 69,130 | 544 | 1,459 | 2,003 |
| Johnson City, TN | 69,135 | 402 | 2,303 | 2,705 |
| Rocklin, CA | 69,145 | 165 | 903 | 1,068 |
| South San Francisco, CA | 68,998 | 301 | 1,559 | 1,859 |