Oakland’s crime rate has surged significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, contrasting sharply with more stable figures in San Francisco and San Jose, according to a recent analysis of California Department of Justice data reported by the Bay Area News Group.
The data highlights a troubling trend for Oakland, which has consistently reported higher crime rates than its Bay Area counterparts. In 2023, Oakland’s overall crime rate was the highest in two decades, up 100% from 2020 and 86% from 2003. The city’s violent crime rate saw an alarming 174% increase since 2020, while property crime rose by 90% over the same period.
In comparison, San Francisco’s overall crime rate has fluctuated, showing a 15% increase from 2020 but a 16% decrease from 2013. Its violent crime rate rose by 16% from 2020, though it remains lower than in previous years. San Francisco’s property crime rate increased by 14% from 2020 but is still down from earlier years.
San Jose has experienced a different trend, with its overall crime rate hitting a 20-year low. The city’s property crime rate dropped by 19% since 2020, reflecting a decrease across various time frames. Although San Jose’s violent crime rate increased by 11% since 2020, it remains lower compared to San Francisco and Oakland.