C+
12%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
16%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
11%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSouth San Francisco/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime1,157n/a (estimate)1,8592,5642,119
Murder0n/a0.04.55.0
Rape14n/a22.536.637.5
Robbery22n/a35.4119.160.6
Assault151n/a242.7325.8256.1
Violent crime187n/a (estimate)301486359
Burglary64n/a102.8305.8229.2
Theft689n/a1,107.21,345.21,272.1
Vehicle theft217n/a348.7427.5258.8
Property crime970n/a (estimate)1,5592,0781,760

South San Francisco crime map

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The South San Francisco crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the South San Francisco 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in South San Francisco, CA

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 Do the Locals Say About Crime in South San Francisco?

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.

Is South San Francisco a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in South San Francisco Increased Since Last Year?

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%.

Potential Causes for Crime in South San Francisco

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.

Compare South San Francisco, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • South San Francisco crime rates are 12% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in South San Francisco are 16% lower than the national average
      • In South San Francisco you have a 1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • South San Francisco is safer than 31% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in South San Francisco has decreased by 29%

      South San Francisco, CA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around South San Francisco

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        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in South San Francisco?
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        See all South San Francisco poll results

        Daily Crime In South San Francisco (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in South San Francisco on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of California and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in South San Francisco (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to California, are 1.38 times less than the state average and 1.14 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in South San Francisco on a daily basis are 1.62 times less than than California average and 1.19 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in South San Francisco are 1.33 times less than the daily state average and 1.13 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is South San Francisco (higher is better)

        How safe is South San Francisco, California compared to other cities in California and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that South San Francisco is safer than 55% 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 South San Francisco. Overall, South San Francisco is ranked below average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in South San Francisco

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in South San Francisco is 1 in 333
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in South San Francisco is 1 in 65
        The chance of being a victim of crime in South San Francisco is 1 in 54
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in South San Francisco? In South San Francisco, CA you have a 1 in 333 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 65 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim of crime in South San Francisco.

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

        An ideal indicator of whether South San Francisco is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in South San Francisco has decreased by 19% and the rate of property crime in South San Francisco has decreased by 30%. The total crime rate in South San Francisco has decreased by 29% year to year.

        South San Francisco police department

        Item South San Francisco California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)10951,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.73.63.3
        There are a total of 109 South San Francisco police officers. This results in 1.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 53.6% less than the California average and 48.4% 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
        Montara, CA2,90276326402
        Moss Beach, CA3,55093396488
        Marin City, CA3,13893396488
        Moraga, CA17,34691487578
        Emerald Lake Hills, CA5,043126540666
        Highlands-Baywood Park, CA4,411126540666
        Foster City, CA34,24769669739
        South San Francisco, CA68,9983011,5591,859

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Alpharetta, GA69,0312491,1521,401
        Portland, ME68,9562672,4792,746
        Mount Vernon, NY69,1305441,4592,003
        Johnson City, TN69,1354022,3032,705
        Rocklin, CA69,1451659031,068
        South San Francisco, CA68,9983011,5591,859
        Source: The South San Francisco, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.