Berkeley, California

Is University of California 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.

Hoodscore
83

Crime Summary:

Crime Overview (last 12 months)

Severe735
Medium372
Low1056
Other4207

109 Registered Offenders Nearby

Rape37
Child involved75
Assault14
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 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
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded to a reported fall near 13th Street and Broadway in Oakland.13th St, Oakland, CA 94612Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical unit responded to a report of chest pain near 13th Street.13th St, Oakland, CA 94612Medical Emergency

For all crime details - View Safety Report

Median Home Price
$2,453,262
Average Rent
$4,952
Vacancy Rate
0%

Overview

University of California Berkeley is a suburban neighborhood in Berkeley, CA, known for its high real estate prices and strong renter demand.

The community is college-focused, with 71.2% of residents attending college, and features very low vacancy rates indicating tight housing supply.

SuburbanHigh RentCollege CommunityLow Vacancy

Quick Facts

Walk to Work Rate53.0%
Vacancy Rate0.0%

Housing market and real estate character

University of California Berkeley's housing market is dominated by renter-occupied small to medium homes and apartments, with very low vacancy rates.

Renter Occupied97.2%
Housing Age (1970-1999)Majority
Housing TypeSmall to medium single-family homes and apartments

What buyers will notice right away

Extremely low vacancy indicates high demand and limited supply.
Nearly all housing is renter occupied, reflecting a transient or student-heavy population.

Families & Lifestyle

This neighborhood has one of the lowest child poverty rates nationally and a high concentration of college students.

Walkable Commute — Over half of residents walk to work, supporting an active lifestyle and community interaction.
Child Poverty Rate0.0%
College Enrollment71.2%

Demographics

Executive/Professional Occupations51.4%
Income LevelLow income
Foreign Born45.6%
Top Ancestries["Asian (39.5%)","Italian (9.8%)","Mexican (9.1%)","Irish (7.6%)","South American (4.8%)"]
Top Languages["English (34.9%)","Chinese","Spanish","Languages of India","Arabic","Persian (3.4%)"]

Commute

Most residents enjoy short commutes with a majority walking to work and significant bus ridership.

University of California Berkeley offers exceptional walkability and transit options uncommon in most US neighborhoods.

Walkability — Over half the residents walk to work, promoting health and community engagement.
Transit Use — Bus ridership is significantly higher than average, reducing reliance on cars.
Walk to Work53.0%
Bus Commute20.8%
Carpool13.4%
Main Commute Time15-30 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median home price?

The median home price is $2,453,262, more expensive than 94.9% of California neighborhoods.

How common is walking to work?

53.0% of residents walk to work, a rate higher than 99.9% of US neighborhoods.

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