If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the safety of Emeryville, California, you’re not alone. Emeryville, nestled between Oakland and Berkeley in the Bay Area, has a reputation that leaves many asking the same question.
Nevertheless, you can say that Emeryville Police is overworked, yet crime rates drop. Generally speaking, this small city has crime issues, mainly related to property crime.
However, there are nuances that you should know about. So, let’s break it down and explore what living in or visiting Emeryville really looks like, safety-wise.
Methodology
- I started by analyzing the key information about Emeryville’s crime rates, focusing on credible sources like Neighborhood Scout and Safewise to understand the statistics.
- I structured the article to balance factual data with real-life perspectives from residents, using online forums and community feedback.
A Snapshot of Emeryville
Emeryville is a small city of 13,300 residents, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Don’t let its size fool you, though—it’s a vibrant place.
Known for its big-name businesses like Pixar Animation Studios, high-end retail centers like the Bay Street shopping area, and its proximity to both Oakland and San Francisco, Emeryville has attracted a lot of attention in recent years.
However, not all the attention is positive. Crime rates in Emeryville have been a major point of discussion. The city often lands on lists for high crime, which leads many to question if it’s truly a safe place to live, work, or even visit.
A Look at Crime in Emeryville
Crime stats can sometimes paint a picture of a place that’s more complex than what’s visible on the surface. In Emeryville, there are two main types of crime that stand out: property crime and violent crime.
Property Crime Is the Big Issue
The major culprit for Emeryville’s high crime numbers? Property crime. Theft, burglary, and motor vehicle break-ins top the list. With a crime rate of 150.39 incidents per 1,000 residents (as per Get Safe & Sound), property crime is much more common than violent crime in the city.
In fact, Emeryville is notorious for having one of the highest rates of property crime in the state of California. Most of this crime happens in areas with a lot of foot traffic, like the Bay Street shopping district.
With so many people coming in and out every day—whether they’re tourists, shoppers, or commuters—it creates plenty of opportunities for theft. And if you’ve ever left something valuable in your car, you know the sinking feeling of returning to find a broken window. It’s common here.
Not Everything Is Grim
According to The E’ville Eye, in the first half of 2024, Emeryville experienced a 20% reduction in property crime compared to the previous year. This improvement follows a rise in crime during 2023.
High Property Crime Rate
Emeryville has one of the highest property crime rates in the country, with 15,085 property crimes per 100,000 residents. This ranks the city in the bottom 10% of all American cities, AreaVibes reports.
Violent Crime Is Less Common, but Not Nonexistent
Violent crime does happen in Emeryville, but not nearly as often as property crime. Assaults, robberies, and the occasional homicide are part of the picture, but they don’t define the city.
With around 11.24 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, you’re far more likely to experience a property crime than anything violent.
- Violent crime in Emeryville has decreased by 17% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, The E’ville Eye reports. The steepest decline has been in simple assaults. This is a positive trend for the city, indicating improved public safety.
Are Some Areas of Emeryville Safer Than Others?
Absolutely. As in any city, crime isn’t evenly distributed across the map. Emeryville has pockets that are safer than others, and where you are can make a big difference.
Safer Areas (The North Side and Hollis Street)
If you’re thinking about living or staying in Emeryville, areas near the northern end of the city, closer to Berkeley, tend to feel more secure. This part of town includes newer residential buildings, trendy shops, and many businesses.
Areas like the Public Market and Hollis Street are considered safer, especially during the daytime when they see a lot of foot traffic. You’ll also see more police presence in these areas, which helps keep things in check.
- The northern part of Emeryville, particularly near the Berkeley side, is considered one of the safer areas, Neighbourhoodscout reports. Neighborhoods like Pacific Park Plaza, Emeryville West, and Emerybay Village also rank as the safer regions. Residents tend to consider these areas less prone to crime compared to other parts of the city.
More Risky Areas
🚨 Emeryville Police: multiple fights broke out involving 300 juveniles near AMC Theater at Bay Street mall around 5 pm.
Police said the call to congregate was put out on social media.
1 shot was fired, no one injured. A juvenile was stabbed, non life threatening injuries. pic.twitter.com/Z1jQvjtsn0
— Betty Yu (@bett_yu) August 28, 2023
On the flip side, southern Emeryville, which borders West Oakland, experiences higher crime rates. This part of the city is closer to neighborhoods in Oakland known for higher levels of crime, and some of that spills over into Emeryville.
If you find yourself in this area, particularly at night, it’s best to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings.
Why Does Emeryville Have Such a High Crime Rate?
It’s a good question, especially considering how small Emeryville is compared to some of its neighbors. There are a few reasons why crime, particularly property crime, is so rampant here.
1. Small Population, Big Visitor Numbers
While Emeryville is home to only around 13,300 people, it draws in a much larger daily crowd. Shoppers, commuters, and tourists all flock to the city’s retail spaces and business parks.
This influx of people, many of whom may not be as careful about securing their belongings, makes the city an attractive target for thieves.
2. Proximity to Oakland
Let’s be real—being right next to Oakland plays a part in Emeryville’s crime stats. Oakland has struggled with high crime rates for decades, and Emeryville’s southern border lines up with some of Oakland’s more challenging areas.
Crime can easily cross city lines, adding to Emeryville’s numbers.
3. Lack of Adequate Law Enforcement Resources
Many residents point out that while the police are visible and active in the community, they’re stretched thin. The amount of property crime, in particular, can be hard to manage, and some argue that more resources are needed to bring those numbers down.
In early 2024, there were several high-profile theft incidents at the Emeryville Apple Store, with four reported grand thefts taking place over a short period in January, Emeryville Police Department published on Facebook Page on February 8th.
Do Residents Feel Safe?
So, what do people who actually live in Emeryville think? As it turns out, opinions vary. Many residents report feeling reasonably safe, particularly during the day or in the more developed parts of the city.
If you check out online forums like Quora or Reddit, you’ll find locals sharing that while property crime is a nuisance, violent crime doesn’t feel like a daily concern. There’s also a strong sense of community in Emeryville, which adds to the feeling of security.
People participate in neighborhood events, meetups, and community activities like movies in the park. It’s not uncommon to hear long-term residents talk about how much they enjoy living here, despite the high crime stats.
Some Common Safety Tips Locals Share
- Don’t leave anything visible in your car. Seriously, even a jacket on the seat can be enough to tempt a break-in.
- Stick to busy, well-lit areas when you’re out at night. Avoid walking alone near West Oakland or in quieter, more isolated parts of the city.
- Lock up, even if you’re just stepping out for a minute. It’s basic, but it helps. Property crime is opportunistic, and a locked door can make all the difference.
How Emeryville Compares to Nearby Cities
If you’re trying to gauge Emeryville’s safety compared to its neighbors, it helps to know how it stacks up.
- Oakland: Compared to parts of Oakland, particularly West Oakland, Emeryville actually has lower rates of violent crime. But when it comes to property crime, Emeryville takes the lead.
- Berkeley: Berkeley, located just north, has its own crime challenges, but Emeryville tends to see higher crime rates overall, especially in the realm of property crime.
- Walnut Creek: If you’re looking for something nearby but safer, many locals suggest Walnut Creek. It has lower crime rates and offers a more suburban environment while still being close to the Bay Area’s big cities.
How to Stay Safe in Emeryville
Thinking of moving to or visiting Emeryville? There are steps you can take to stay safe and still enjoy what the city has to offer.
1. Lock Your Doors and Windows
The high property crime rate means it’s crucial to secure your home, car, and even your bike. Don’t leave any valuables visible in your car, and keep things locked up tight.
2. Stick to Well-Trafficked Areas
During the day, Emeryville is bustling and safe in most parts. But at night, stick to busier areas like the Public Market or Bay Street. Avoid isolated streets, especially those bordering Oakland.
3. Get to Know Your Neighbors
Emeryville is small, which makes building a sense of community easier. By getting to know your neighbors and participating in local events, you’ll feel more secure and stay connected.
Final Thoughts on Safety in Emeryville
In the end, Emeryville’s safety is a mixed bag. The high property crime rate might make it seem more dangerous than it feels day-to-day. Violent crime is relatively low, and many residents enjoy a sense of community and security, especially in certain areas.
The trick to feeling safe here? Take precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and get involved in the local community. For those who can do that, Emeryville remains a convenient and vibrant place to live or visit, despite its challenges.
