Is University of Southern California a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Los Angeles, 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)
0 Registered Offenders Nearby
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 potential medical emergency involving an ambulance battery call with a suspect near West Vernon Avenue with fire department staging nearby. | W Vernon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90037 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were dispatched to a report of a man standing in the intersection near Olympic Boulevard and Soto Street. The man was described as thin, with a dark complexion, wearing a black hat and dark clothing. | E Olympic Blvd & S Soto St, Los Angeles, CA 90023 | Disturbance |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers are responding to a report of possible child abuse at an apartment near Hillcrest Dr. A 16-year-old male is mentioned in the dispatch; the suspect description is unclear from the audio (appears to reference a Black female, but wording conflicts). | Hillcrest Dr d, Los Angeles, CA 90008 | Domestic Dispute |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports that street and trail lights are out along Florence Avenue between Normandie Avenue and Vermont Avenue, and that utility crews are reportedly working in the area. | Normandie Ave & W Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047 | Road Closure |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers conduct a traffic stop near Alvarado Street and 8th Street, with units also checking the area around 6th Street and Alvarado. | W 8th St & S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched to a possible rubbish fire near the intersection of Broadway and Valley Street in Los Angeles. | Valley St, Los Angeles, CA 90057 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, units are responding Code 3 to a reported traffic collision involving a vehicle and a motorcycle near 3rd Street and Sycamore Avenue in Los Angeles. | S Sycamore Ave & W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, units are responding to a reported traffic collision near West Vernon Avenue involving a rescue vehicle and a motorcycle. | This is a hostel, 522 W Vernon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90037 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a missing adult last seen near McKinley Avenue in Los Angeles. The person was last seen on July 16 around 8:30 a.m. and is reported to have mental health conditions and to be off prescribed medication. | McKinley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001 | Missing Person |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a sick person requiring advanced life support was reported near East First Street and North Alameda Avenue in Los Angeles. Highway patrol is on scene. | 1st St & N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Nearby neighborhoods
Overview
University of Southern California is a densely urban neighborhood in Los Angeles known for its large student population and walkable lifestyle.
The area features mostly newer apartment complexes with a high renter occupancy and a significant vacancy rate.
Quick Facts
| Walk to Work Rate | 49.6% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 100.0% |
Housing market and real estate character
University of Southern California's housing is dominated by rental apartments, mostly built since 2000, with a high vacancy rate.
| Renter Occupied Rate | 100.0% |
|---|---|
| Large Apartment Buildings | 86.4% |
| Newer Homes (Built 2000+) | 71.8% |
| Vacancy Rate | 16.9% |
What buyers will notice right away
Families & Lifestyle
This neighborhood is highly popular among college students and offers a walkable, urban lifestyle with diverse cultural influences.
| College Enrollment | 89.3% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 100.0% |
| Walk to Work Rate | 49.6% |
Demographics
| Executive, Management & Professional Occupations | 48.7% |
|---|---|
| Asian Ancestry | 31.2% |
| Austrian Ancestry | 1.0% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 16.8% |
| Primary Korean Speakers | 3.8% |
Commute
Residents enjoy some of the shortest and most active commutes in the U.S., with many walking or biking to work.
University of Southern California offers exceptional walkability and bikeability, supporting active and low-carbon commutes.
| Walk to Work | 49.6% |
|---|---|
| Bike to Work | 3.3% |
| Drive Alone | 19.5% |
| Carpool | 8.1% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Southern California a good neighborhood for students?
Yes, it is among the top 0.1% of college-friendly neighborhoods in California with a large student population and walkable environment.
What is the housing like in University of Southern California?
Housing is almost entirely rental apartments, mostly newer buildings constructed since 2000.
How safe is the neighborhood?
The neighborhood has an above average safety rating according to NeighborhoodScout's research.