Is Soma a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in San Francisco, 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)
344 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, emergency medical services responding to a possible fainting incident near Folsom and Mabini Street. | Folsom St & Mabini St, San Francisco, CA 94103 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units were dispatched to a reported commercial building alarm near Mission Street between Julia Street and Eighth Street in San Francisco. | Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a text-to-911 report of a white Nissan Altima driving without headlights near Columbus Avenue and Vallejo Street, reportedly heading toward the pier past Taylor Street with two occupants who may be intoxicated. | Columbus Ave & Vallejo St, San Francisco, CA 94133 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were dispatched to a priority audible alarm, possibly related to a disturbance, near Jefferson Street and a cross street identified as Richard Henry in San Francisco. | Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94109 | Disturbance |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units were dispatched for a possible trauma incident near Powell Street and Embarcadero North. Engine 2, Truck 2, and an ambulance responded on Control 1. | Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94133 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a report of possible smoke on the BART platform at Powell Street in San Francisco, with fire units and medics responding with lights and sirens. | Powell St, 899 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible smoke condition on the Powell Street transit platform and a separate injury where a woman apparently fell off a Lime scooter near Powell Street. Medics are responding with lights and sirens. | Powell St, San Francisco, CA | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews, including a fire truck and an ambulance unit, were dispatched for a possible trauma-related medical emergency near Powell Street in San Francisco. | Powell St, San Francisco, CA | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews are dispatched for a possible trauma medical emergency near Powell Street and Market Street, with a fire truck and an ambulance responding code 3. | Market St & Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a possible medical emergency involving a female who fell while riding a lime scooter near Powell Street and Embarcadero North. | Powell St & The Embarcadero N, San Francisco, CA 94133 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Overview
Soma is a densely urban neighborhood in San Francisco with a median home price of $1,090,438 and average rent of $3,809. It is characterized by a high population density and predominance of small apartments.
The neighborhood has a high vacancy rate of 20.9%, which may indicate new construction or ongoing vacancy challenges. Walking and bus commuting are common.
Quick Facts
| Work From Home | 30.5% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Soma's housing is dominated by small apartments and high-rise complexes, with a large share of newer construction.
| Small (1-2 bedroom) Units | 89.1% |
|---|---|
| Apartment Complexes / High-Rises | 82.7% |
| Vacancy Rate | 20.9% |
What buyers will notice right away
Families & Lifestyle
Soma attracts a wealthy, educated population with a strong presence of urban sophisticates and young professionals.
| Executive, Manager, Professional Occupations | 71.2% |
|---|---|
| Same-Sex Couples | Higher than 97.2% of U.S. neighborhoods |
Demographics
| Executive, Management, Professional Occupations | 71.2% |
|---|---|
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 15.6% |
| Asian Ancestry | 42.6% |
| Foreign Born | 41.9% |
| Tagalog Speakers | 10.6% |
Commute
Soma offers diverse commuting options with strong walkability, bus transit, and a significant work-from-home population.
Soma supports active and public transit commuting with high walking and bus usage, plus a strong remote work presence.
| Walk to Work | 23.0% |
|---|---|
| Bus Commute | 13.2% |
| Work From Home | 30.5% |
| Drive Alone | 21.2% |
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical housing size in Soma?
Most housing units are small, with 89.1% being studios or one to two bedrooms.
Is walking to work common in Soma?
Yes, 23.0% of residents walk to work, a rate higher than 98.6% of U.S. neighborhoods.
How high is the vacancy rate in Soma?
The vacancy rate is 20.9%, higher than 88.7% of U.S. neighborhoods.