South Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Is South Berkeley a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Berkeley, CA - 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
Other5033
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
$1,088,409
Average Rent
$3,013
Vacancy Rate
5.3%
South Berkeley Overview
South Berkeley is a densely urban neighborhood in Berkeley, CA, known for its historic housing stock mostly built before 1939 and some between 1970 and 1999.
The neighborhood is highly walkable, ranking in the top 5% nationally, with a strong demand for housing reflected in a 5.3% vacancy rate, lower than most U.S. neighborhoods.
UrbanHistoric HomesWalkableDiverse
Quick Facts
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
South Berkeley's housing consists mainly of small to medium apartment complexes and single-family homes, with most residences renter occupied.
| Vacancy Rate | 5.3% |
|---|---|
| Housing Age | Many homes built no later than 1939, some between 1970-1999 |
| Renter Occupied | Majority of residential real estate |
| Housing Type | Mix of apartments and single-family homes |
What buyers will notice right away
Many residences date back to before 1939, offering character and established neighborhoods.
Lower vacancy rate suggests steady demand for housing in South Berkeley.
Families & Lifestyle
South Berkeley features a highly educated population with a strong professional presence and very low child poverty.
Highly Educated Community — Over one-third of adults hold advanced degrees, supporting a professional and knowledge-based lifestyle.
Low Child Poverty — No children live below the federal poverty line, indicating economic stability for families.
| Advanced Degree Holders | 35.5% |
|---|---|
| Executive/Professional Occupations | 69.8% |
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
Demographics
| Advanced Degree Rate | 35.5% |
|---|---|
| Executive/Professional Share | 69.8% |
| Income Level | Above average |
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| Foreign Born | 16.9% |
| Top Languages | ["English (69.8%)","Spanish","Chinese","Languages of India","French"] |
| Top Ancestries | ["Irish (12.8%)","Asian (12.1%)","German (12.1%)","English (10.6%)","Mexican (5.9%)","Lebanese (3.1%)","Armenian (1.8%)"] |
Commute
South Berkeley residents enjoy a variety of commute options with shorter than average travel times and high rates of biking and train use.
South Berkeley offers diverse and sustainable commute options with strong biking and train ridership.
Short Commutes — Most residents spend 15-30 minutes commuting, shorter than average.
Sustainable Transport — High bike and train usage reflect a community oriented toward green commuting.
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes (35.2%) |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 36.7% |
| Carpool Rate | 11.2% |
| Train Commute Rate | 11.8% |
| Bike Commute Rate | 8.5% |
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
What is the median home price in South Berkeley?
The median home price is $1,088,409, more expensive than 65.1% of California neighborhoods.
How walkable is South Berkeley?
South Berkeley ranks in the top 5% of American neighborhoods for walkability.
What are common commute methods?
Many residents bike (8.5%) or take the train (11.8%) to work, with most commutes under 30 minutes.