Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Is Downtown Berkeley a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Berkeley, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe834
Medium415
Low1258
Other5021
133 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape46
Child involved92
Assault15
Other7
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency may involve an unknown issue near Sacramento Avenue, (number withheld). Emergency units are using a French interpreter. | Sacramento Ave, Richmond, CA 94804 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency was reported near Sacramento Avenue in Richmond, involving unit (number withheld) and dispatched code 3. | Sacramento Ave, Richmond, CA 94804 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency is reported near Austin Way and Shattuck Avenue, with possible location at 2201 Shattuck Avenue. Engine 2 and Medic 2 are responding. | Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units dispatched to a medical emergency near Austin Way and Shattuck Avenue. | Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a person appeared to faint and was unconscious but breathing near MacArthur Boulevard. Fire units were dispatched to the scene. | MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94610 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical personnel are responding code 3 for a possible unconscious person near MacArthur Boulevard and Casa San Bruno Avenue in Oakland. | MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94610 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency was reported near Pine Avenue and Webster Street in Berkeley, with Engine 3 and Medic 3 assigned and units instructed to stage. | Pine Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units are dispatched to a possible medical emergency involving an unconscious person who is breathing near MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland. | MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94610 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded to a reported fall near 13th Street and Broadway in Oakland. | 13th St, Oakland, CA 94612 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical unit responded to a report of chest pain near 13th Street. | 13th St, Oakland, CA 94612 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$1,089,729
Average Rent
$2,888
Vacancy Rate
13.1%
Overview
Downtown Berkeley is a densely urban neighborhood with a mix of historic and newer housing.
The area is dominated by rental apartments and has a high walkability score, with many residents living alone.
Densely UrbanHistoric HousingHigh Renter OccupancyWalkable
Quick Facts
| Population Density | 20,380 per square mile |
|---|---|
| Work From Home Rate | 40.6% |
Housing market and real estate character
Downtown Berkeley's housing is mostly rental apartments and some single-family homes, with a high renter occupancy.
| Renter Occupied Real Estate | 100.0% |
|---|---|
| Large Apartment Buildings | 90.7% |
| Small Unit Share (1-2 bedrooms) | 90.8% |
| Vacancy Rate | 13.1% |
What buyers will notice right away
All housing units are renter occupied, with no owner-occupied homes.
Many buildings date before 1940, contributing to the neighborhood's character and density.
Families & Lifestyle
Downtown Berkeley has a strong college presence and a high rate of residents living alone.
High walkability supports active lifestyles and easy access to amenities.
The neighborhood's character is shaped by a large population of singles and students.
Professional and Creative — High share of executives and professionals, many working from home or in government jobs.
| College Enrollment | 40.0% |
|---|---|
| Living Alone | 60.4% |
Demographics
| Executive, Management, Professional Occupations | 89.8% |
|---|---|
| Work From Home Rate | 40.6% |
| Per Capita Income | Lower than 63.0% of U.S. neighborhoods |
| Asian Ancestry | 37.5% |
| Iranian Ancestry | 2.9% |
| Foreign Born | 32.1% |
| Chinese Language Spoken at Home | 19.7% |
Commute
Many residents work from home or walk to work, with a notable share biking and taking transit.
Downtown Berkeley offers exceptional work-from-home rates and active commuting options.
Remote Work — Highest work-from-home rate nationally.
Active Commutes — High rates of walking and biking to work.
| Work From Home | 40.6% |
|---|---|
| Walk to Work | 21.8% |
| Bike Commute | 4.4% |
Homes for sale near 94704
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Berkeley primarily rental or owner-occupied?
All real estate is renter occupied, with 100% rental occupancy.
What is the typical housing type?
Mostly large apartment complexes and high-rise apartments with small units.
How walkable is Downtown Berkeley?
Among the top 5% most walkable neighborhoods in the U.S.