Known for its famous landmarks, lively culture, and breathtaking bay views, San Francisco nevertheless faces a serious crime problem. Some of the city’s neighborhoods have higher than average crime rates, yet many are safe and prosperous.
The 10 most dangerous neighborhoods in San Francisco in 2024 will be discussed in this article, along with the causes of these high crime rates and advice for both locals and tourists.
10. South of Market (SOMA)
South of Market is another risky San Francisco neighborhood. With 11,457 residents and a crime rate 67% higher than the national average, South of Market is frequently shortened to SOMA.
Property crime is extremely high in SOMA, despite the fact that it is a major economic hub with several tech enterprises. Property theft, car theft, and muggings are all very frequent.
9. Western Addition
Western Addition, which has 12,934 residents, is notorious for its high rate of muggings and property crime.
Even though Western Addition has seen gentrification in some areas, homelessness still has an impact on the neighborhood and raises the crime rate overall.
Petty thievery, drug use, and auto theft. Even at night, residents say they feel safe as long as they apply common sense.
8. Outer Mission
Another risky San Francisco neighborhood is Outer Mission. With 8,546 residents, the neighborhood has a 98% higher crime rate than the national average.
In Outer Mission, the rate of property crime is significantly higher than the rate of violent crime.
It is not advisable to leave any visible property in your car because property crimes, such as auto theft, are common in this region. Homelessness has a significant impact on Out Mission, therefore drug use and other small-time offenses are prevalent.
7. North Beach
Despite having a high crime rate, North Beach is a well-liked tourist area that is normally safe throughout the day. Nevertheless, visitors are cautioned to exercise caution.
You have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of a crime, and the overall crime rate is 160% greater than the national average. In addition, violent crime is 64% higher and property crime is 179% more than the national average.
6. Ocean View
With over 7,000 residents, Ocean View is located in the city’s southern section. During the 1980s, the neighborhood experienced extensive urban deterioration and developed into a significant center for violent crime and drug trafficking.
While there has been a decline in violence as a result of municipal reforms, Oceanview remains one of San Francisco’s most crime-ridden neighborhoods.
Compared to the national average, the violent crime rate is 255% higher while the overall crime rate is 195% higher. There is a 1 in 15 risk that you will become the victim of a crime.
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5. Chinatown
There are approximately 35,000 people living in the crowded neighborhood known as Chinatown. It has one of the worst crime rates in the city and faces social issues like drug addiction and homelessness while being a well-liked tourist destination.
Chinatown’s overall crime rate is 198% greater than the national average, with 6,923 incidents per 100,000 population. The rate of violent crime is 83% greater than the national average, and the rate of property crime is 220% more than the national average.
The likelihood of becoming a victim of a crime in Chinatown is 1 in 15, and pickpockets are particularly prevalent along Stockton Street.
4. Mission District
With 45,039 residents, the Mission District has a 251% higher crime rate than the national average. Despite the prevalence of violent crimes, property crime accounted for the majority of all crimes, with over 6,000 occurrences in 2022.
Crime rates in this neighborhood increased during the COVID outbreak but have since decreased. As long as common sense is applied, Mission District is still a well-liked tourist area and is safe.
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3. Hunters Point
Hunters Point is another neighborhood in San Francisco that should be avoided. Hunters Point, which is close to the Port of San Francisco, is home to 3,534 people and has a remarkably high crime rate.
Communities in Hunters Point have been impacted by toxic leaks and hazardous waste spills, and the area has been impoverished for decades. More than 1,000 burglaries and more than 4,000 assaults occurred in 2022.
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2. The Castro
Additionally, one of San Francisco’s most hazardous neighborhoods is the Castro.
The Castro is a historic community and one of the earliest LGBTQ enclaves in America, situated in the Eureka Valley area of San Francisco. It does, however, have a high crime rate, much like many other parts of San Francisco today.
1. Tenderloin District
The 39,000-person neighborhood, which is in Downtown San Francisco, has a violent crime rate that is more than 270% greater than the national average.
Robberies and assaults are among the more violent crimes that occur in the Tenderloin. Additionally, this neighborhood has some of the highest rates of homelessness and drug use.
You should exercise caution when strolling in this neighborhood, even if it is one of San Francisco’s historic districts.
To Conclude
Even though San Francisco is a lovely city with lots to offer, it’s vital to be mindful of the neighborhoods that have higher crime rates.
Both tourists and locals may enjoy the city safely if they are aware of the risks and take the appropriate safety measures.
Supporting neighborhood projects that try to lower crime and enhance the standard of living in these areas is also essential.
