Redwood City, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Redwood City, CA

The Redwood City crime rates are 2.7% higher 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 312 violent crimes in Redwood City (394 per 100,000 people), which is 6.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1578 property crimes (1993 per 100,000 residents) which is 2% higher than average.

The Redwood City crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Redwood City, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

The violent crime rate in Redwood City closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 394 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Redwood City as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.

Redwood City exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1993 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 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 Redwood City maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Redwood City?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Redwood City residents. Out of the respondents (20 in total), 45% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Redwood City were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 55% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Redwood City a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Redwood City 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 Redwood City crime rate is 3% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 5.18 crimes per day - 0.85 violent crimes and 4.32 property crimes.

Has Crime in Redwood City Increased Since Last Year?

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 increased by 12.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 66.8%, while property crimes have increased by 6%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Redwood City

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Redwood City crime rates. Redwood City registers a population density of 4371 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

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 109.81% higher than the national average.

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 Redwood City, the average rental rates are $2,427 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Redwood City crime map