Downtown Berkeley South, Berkeley, CA
Is Downtown Berkeley South 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
$3,216
Vacancy Rate
29.2%
Overview
Downtown Berkeley South is a densely urban neighborhood in Berkeley, CA, with a high population density and walkability.
The housing stock is mostly small to medium apartment complexes, with a very high renter occupancy and many buildings built between 1940 and 1999.
Densely UrbanHigh Renter OccupancyHistoric HousingWalkable
Quick Facts
| Population Density | 37,864 per square mile |
|---|---|
| Walk to Work Rate | 35.0% |
Housing market and real estate character
Downtown Berkeley South's housing is dominated by rental apartments, mostly small units in large complexes.
| Renter Occupied Real Estate | 98.6% |
|---|---|
| Large Apartment Buildings | 88.8% |
| Small Unit Share (1-2 bedrooms) | 96.3% |
| Vacancy Rate | 29.2% |
What buyers will notice right away
Almost all housing is renter occupied, with very few owner-occupied units.
Vacancy is high, indicating possible prolonged vacancies or new unoccupied construction.
Families & Lifestyle
Downtown Berkeley South is a student-focused neighborhood with a strong college presence and walkable streets.
High walkability supports active lifestyles and easy access to amenities.
The large student population creates a dynamic seasonal community atmosphere.
Student Friendly — The neighborhood ranks among the top college-friendly places in California, with amenities and safety suited to students.
| College Enrollment | 46.1% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
Demographics
| College Enrollment | 46.1% |
|---|---|
| Executive, Management, Professional Occupations | 66.0% |
| Per Capita Income | Lower than 90.6% of U.S. neighborhoods |
| Asian Ancestry | 54.1% |
| Romanian Ancestry | 2.3% |
| Foreign Born | 44.0% |
| Chinese Language Spoken at Home | 27.1% |
Commute
Many residents walk or take the train to work, reflecting the neighborhood's urban and transit-friendly nature.
Downtown Berkeley South offers excellent walkability and transit options, ideal for those seeking alternatives to driving.
Walkability — One of the highest walk-to-work rates in the nation.
Transit Access — High train ridership supports sustainable commuting.
| Walk to Work | 35.0% |
|---|---|
| Train Commute | 15.8% |
| Drive Alone | 18.7% |
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 South primarily rental or owner-occupied?
Nearly all real estate is renter occupied, with 98.6% rental occupancy.
What is the typical housing type?
Large apartment complexes and high-rise buildings dominate, with mostly small units.
How walkable is Downtown Berkeley South?
It is among the most walkable neighborhoods in America, with 35.0% walking to work.