Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Oakland
Go Back To Previous PageNestled east of San Francisco, Oakland is a prominent city in California’s Bay Area. Although its crime rate is 175% higher than the United States national average, Oakland remains a significant economic center. If you are considering a visit or a move to the city, keep reading to learn about the twelve neighborhoods in Oakland with the highest crime rates. Let’s discuss the most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Oakland.
1. Peralta-Laney: the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Oakland
Peralta-Laney is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Oakland. Located about a mile east of downtown Oakland and anchored by Laney College, this small community
consists of academic buildings and residential housing. The city is a popular area for students who want to be in the center of the action.
However, the neighborhood also faces a significant crime problem. According to local law enforcement, 85% of crimes committed in Peralta-Laney occur on the Laney College campus. The total crime rate in the area is 13,698 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 489% higher than the national average.
Additionally, the violent crime rate is 605% higher than the national average, and individuals have a 1 in 8 chance of becoming a victim of crime. As a result, public safety remains a challenge.
2. Eastmont
Eastmont is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Oakland, with a crime rate that is 419% higher than the national average and 139% higher than the city average. This southern Oakland area has a long history of violent crime and a population of around 3,000 residents.
A significant incident occurred on March 21, 2009, when four Oakland police officers were shot near the Eastmont Town Center, marking one of the deadliest attacks on law enforcement in California history. Property crime is also prevalent in Eastmont, with auto theft and burglary being common issues.
3. Acorn
Acorn is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Oakland. Located near downtown Oakland, Acorn has experienced a steady increase in crime rates since 2020. With a population of 2,274 people, the crime rate in Acorn is 416% higher than the national average.
The neighborhood has seen significant rises in both violent and property crimes, including shootings, robberies, assaults, and various types of theft. Additionally, issues related to homelessness and drug addiction remain prevalent in Acorn.
4. Webster
Webster is a troubled neighborhood located just outside downtown Oakland. Its population is 3,681, and its crime rate is 414% higher than the national average and more than double the city average.
Issues such as homelessness, drug addiction, and theft are prevalent in this area. Both residents and visitors frequently express concerns about the unhealthy streets, which are often littered with trash and homeless encampments.
5. Fitchburg
Fitchburg is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Oakland. The city is in southern Oakland, near Alameda. With a population of 3,052, Fitchburg’s crime rate is 397% higher than the national average.
The violent crime rate is particularly alarming, with shootings, homicides, robberies, and assaults occurring frequently. In 2022 alone, nearly 6,600 property crimes data were recorded in the area, according to the police department.
6. Hoover-Foster
Hoover-Foster sometimes referred to as Hoover-Durant, is a notably dangerous neighborhood in Oakland near the intersections of Telegraph and San Pablo. The population of Hoover-Foster is approximately 4,061, and the area has a crime rate 386% higher than the national average.
Violent crimes, including assaults and robberies, are prevalent. Additionally, other offenses, such as theft and illegal drug trafficking, are also common in the area. Despite these challenges, certain parts of Hoover-Foster have undergone revitalization, attracting several artists and musicians.
7. San Pablo Gateway
Also known as Uptown, San Pablo Gateway is situated in downtown Oakland. While the area boasts numerous restaurants and shops, the city is also known for issues such as homeless encampments, drug use, and property theft.
With a population of 2,704, San Pablo Gateway’s crime rate is 360% higher than the national average. In 2022, there were nearly 10,600 reported property crime incidents, with vehicle theft particularly prevalent.
8. Hawthorne
Hawthorne is one of the most crime-ridden areas in Oakland. Located in southern Oakland near Fruitvale Station, this neighborhood has around 3,744 people. The total crime rate in Hawthorne is 352% above the national average.
For years, the area has faced challenges related to crime and poverty, with incidents of shootings, drug trafficking, and robberies being quite common. Additionally, homelessness is a significant issue in Hawthorne, leading to numerous encampments and unhealthy conditions on the streets.
9. Foothill Square
Foothill Square is a neighborhood in southern Oakland, near San Leandro, that faces significant challenges with violence. Although violent crime is prevalent, the majority of incidents in Foothill Square involve theft and property crime rates.
The area has a high population of transients and homeless individuals, which contributes to common issues such as drug trafficking, theft, and burglaries. With a population of 1,432 residents, Foothill Square has a crime rate that is 341% higher than the national average.
10. South Kennedy Tract
South Kennedy Tract is a high-crime neighborhood between Alameda and Fruitvale Station in Oakland. It has an approximate population of 1,893 residents and a crime rate of 338% higher than the national average.
In 2022, the area reported 2,491 violent crimes and 12,325 property crimes. The most common types of crime include theft, vehicle theft, assault, and burglary.
11. Fremont
Fremont is also one of the worst neighborhoods in Oakland for crime. The area is in southern Oakland and has a population of 5,600. The crime rate in Fremont is a whopping 330% above the US national average. Residents have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming the victim of a crime, according to law enforcement agencies.
Violent crime is high in Fremont, with homicides, gun violence, and burglaries being commonplace. Gang activity remains a problem in Fremont, with gangs often engaging in drug trafficking, criminal activities, and violence in the area, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
12. Arroyo Viejo
Arroyo Viejo is a neighborhood in Oakland that faces significant safety challenges. Named after the creek that flows through the area, Arroyo Viejo (which means “Old Creek” in Spanish) is a small residential community located in southeast Oakland. It features several community parks, local businesses, and a community center.
While the area has seen some improvements, East Oakland is still known for its high crime rates, and Arroyo Viejo is no exception. The total crime rate in the neighborhood is 9,645 crimes per 100,000 residents, 21% higher than Oakland’s overall crime rate and 315% higher than the national average.
Furthermore, the violent crime rate is a staggering 597% higher than the national average, with the odds of becoming a crime victim in the neighborhood being 1 in 11.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
