Oakland, situated in the lively San Francisco Bay Area, is celebrated for its cultural offerings, sports scene, and impactful social movements. Despite these positive aspects, the city has garnered a reputation as one of the most perilous in the United States, marked by elevated rates of both violent and property crimes.
While certain Oakland neighborhoods are safer, it’s advisable to exercise caution in specific areas when visiting or residing in the city. Here are the top five most dangerous neighborhoods in Oakland, determined by the reported number of violent crimes per 100,000 people, according to AreaVibes.
Eastmont
Located close to the San Leandro border, Eastmont is a neighborhood in East Oakland. With 3,547 violent offenses per 100,000 residents, it has a 133% higher violent crime rate than Oakland. The city has 3,424 residents.
While there are some commercial and industrial zones, Eastmont is primarily a residential region. In addition, it is the location of the Eastmont Town Center, a retail center that has government and social service buildings housed within.
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Webster
Adjacent to Eastmont in East Oakland is another community called Webster. With 5,190 residents, it has a violent crime rate 132% higher than Oakland’s average at 3,530 offenses per 100,000 residents.
Along with a few minor businesses and schools, Webster is primarily a residential neighborhood. Webster and Eastmont have many of the same problems, including gang violence, poor income, and limited prospects.
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Fitchburg
Situated close to the Oakland International Airport in South Oakland lies the community known as Fitchburg. With 1,772 residents, it has a violent crime rate 122% higher than Oakland’s average at 3,383 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants.
Fitchburg is a mixed-use neighborhood featuring commercial, industrial, and residential real estate. Another neighborhood with a high crime rate is the Coliseum Industrial district, which is also near Fitchburg.
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Hawthorne
Hawthorne is a Central Oakland neighborhood that is close to the Lake Merritt region. With 2,449 residents, it has a violent crime rate 98% higher than Oakland’s average at 3,015 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants.
The majority of the structures in Hawthorne are apartment complexes, while there are also some single-family residences there. Another neighborhood with a high crime rate is Peralta-Laney, which is near to Hawthorne.
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Foothill Square
Near the San Leandro Creek in East Oakland is a community called Foothill Square. With a population of 1,295, it has 90% higher violent crime than Oakland’s average, with 2,897 crimes committed per 100,000 residents.
Mainly made up of residential and retail properties, Foothill Square is a tiny area. A well-liked location for both locals and tourists, Foothill Square is also home to the Foothill Square Shopping Center.
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To Conclude
As Oakland has a vibrant and diverse culture, it’s important to be mindful of its safety problems. Due to their noticeably higher incidence of crime, the five communities listed call for additional caution.
This information is intended to be a starting point for making educated decisions when exploring Oakland, not to provide a comprehensive picture of these places.
Remember that there are areas of safety and community even in these neighborhoods. It is imperative to carry out comprehensive study and maintain situational awareness before venturing into any area of the city.
