Southwest Berkeley

Is Southwest 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.

Hoodscore
60

Crime Summary:

Crime Overview (last 12 months)

Severe798
Medium396
Low1084
Other4462

111 Registered Offenders Nearby

Rape42
Child involved74
Assault13
Other7

Crime Details:

Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.

Crime dateCrime descriptionAddressCrime category
Jul 16, 2026As 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 94804Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As 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 94804Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency with abdominal pain was reported near S 38th Street and McDonald Avenue in Richmond, with emergency responders dispatched urgently.S 38th St, Richmond, CA 94804Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, a 29-year-old woman reported abdominal pain near 38th Street in Richmond, possibly related to recent gallbladder surgery. Emergency engine 66 dispatched.S 38th St, Richmond, CA 94804Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As 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 94704Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units dispatched to a medical emergency near Austin Way and Shattuck Avenue.Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CAMedical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As 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 94610Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As 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 94610Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As 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 94705Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As 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 94610Medical Emergency

For all crime details - View Safety Report

Median Home Price
$1,377,060
Average Rent
$3,057
Vacancy Rate
11.4%
Vacancy Rate
11.4%

Overview

Southwest Berkeley is a densely urban neighborhood in Berkeley, California, with a mix of small to medium single-family homes and apartment complexes.

The neighborhood has a higher vacancy rate of 11.4%, indicating either weak demand or new housing not yet occupied.

A significant student population influences the neighborhood's character, with 12.1% currently enrolled in college.

Densely UrbanHigh VacancyStudent PopulationMixed Tenure

Quick Facts

Work From Home Rate34.5%

Housing market and real estate character

Housing in Southwest Berkeley mainly consists of small to medium single-family homes and apartment complexes, with most units renter occupied.

Housing AgeMost homes built between 1940 and 1969
Housing TypeMix of small to medium single-family homes and apartments
Owner vs Renter OccupiedMostly renter occupied

What buyers will notice right away

Vacancy rate is above average, possibly indicating weak demand or new construction.
Many homes built before 1970, reflecting a mature neighborhood.
Most housing units are renter occupied, supporting a transient or student population.

Families & Lifestyle

Southwest Berkeley has a notable student presence and a diverse occupational mix.

The student population shapes the neighborhood's seasonal dynamics.
A diverse occupational base supports varied lifestyles.
Active Commuting — 4.2% bicycle to work, higher than 97.6% of U.S. neighborhoods.
College Enrollment12.1%
Executive, Management, Professional Occupations62.0%

Demographics

College Enrollment12.1%
Executive, Management, Professional Occupations62.0%
Childhood Poverty Rate10.5%
Income LevelModerate income
Foreign Born Residents22.8%
Top Languages["English (66.1%)","Spanish","Chinese","Polish","Japanese (0.6%)"]
Top Ancestries["Mexican (19.6%)","German (10.6%)","Irish (9.5%)","South American (7.6%)","Russian (7.5%)","Austrian (1.9%)"]

Commute

Residents experience longer commutes on average, with a strong presence of alternative transportation modes.

Southwest Berkeley offers a high work-from-home rate and notable bicycle commuting, but many residents face longer commutes.

High Work From Home — 34.5% of residents work from home, above most U.S. neighborhoods.
Longer Commutes — Most commuters spend 45 to 60 minutes traveling to work.
Active Transportation — 4.2% bicycle to work, among the highest nationally.
Work From Home Rate34.5%
Main Commute Time45 to 60 minutes
Drive Alone Rate37.7%
Bus Commute Rate9.5%

Homes for sale near 94710

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 Southwest Berkeley?

The median home price is $1,377,060, more expensive than 78.9% of California neighborhoods.

How prevalent is bicycle commuting here?

4.2% of residents commute by bicycle, higher than 97.6% of U.S. neighborhoods.

What is the vacancy rate in this neighborhood?

The vacancy rate is 11.4%, higher than 68.4% of U.S. neighborhoods, indicating possible weak demand or new housing.

Discover Southwest Berkeley Today

Explore homes and rentals in this diverse, student-influenced neighborhood with active lifestyles.

Start Your Search