Sacramento is known as the sixth capital city in the state of California.
Once upon a time, Sacramento was indeed the capital of California, until it was dropped for another town.
It is full of trees and forests.
Sacramento has more trees than any other place in the entire world.
The population of Sacramento is 528,306. But how safe is Sacramento?
If you’re contemplating moving to or visiting Sacramento, you should know everything, from the safest neighborhoods to the most dangerous neighborhoods.
The violent crime rate in Sacramento is 627 per 100,000 residents.
The property crime rate is 3,041 per 100,000 residents.
This guide will inform you of the top 10 safest neighborhoods in Sacramento to help you steer clear of dangerous areas.
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10 Safest Neighborhoods in Sacramento
1. Elmhurst
Elmhurst tops the list for the safest neighborhoods in Sacramento.
It is a neighborhood that is full of history.
It has a population of 1,837.
The overall crime rate in Elmhurst is 7% below the national average.
So this means that if you have a family, Elmhurst is a great place to live.
The neighborhood is also extremely walkable, with a walk score of 60.
It’s also perfect for those who rely on a bike to get around.
Elmhurst also offers plenty of cafés, restaurants, parks, and more.
2. Granite Bay
Granite Bay is another safe neighborhood in Sacramento for a variety of reasons.
It’s full of excellent amenities and a community of good-spirited people.
It’s obvious why it was rated as a neighborhood where residents feel both secure and comfortable.
The crime rate in Granite Bay is very low, with plenty of neighborhood watch programs.
The crime rate is 49% below the national average.
About 21.7k people are living in Granite Bay.
For those living in Granite Bay with children, you’ll find many high-quality schools and parks.
Another huge bonus for residents in Granite Bay is that the streets are well-lit and the visibility is clear.
3. Tahoe Park
Coming in at number three on the list of the safest neighborhoods in Sacramento is Tahoe Park.
Residents who live in Tahoe Park report feeling both safe and peaceful.
There are about 3,038 people who live in Tahoe Park.
Your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime are 1 in 193 or 1 in 326, depending on the side of the area you’re in.
Overall, the crime rate is much lower than the national average.
It was named after Tahoe Park, which has many areas to enjoy a picnic, a large lake, and various playgrounds.
4. College/Glen
Another secure and peaceful neighborhood in Sacramento is College/Glen.
The population is 9,500 and is located right along a river.
If you’re into outdoor activities, this is a great neighborhood to live in.
College/Glen also has a low crime rate.
Overall, it’s 66% safer than other areas in the city.
Residents who live in College/Glen can take advantage of various coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping areas.
It’s also entirely easy to navigate the neighborhood, as it provides easy access to public transportation.
5. River Park
River Park has a population of 4,037 and is yet another safe neighborhood in Sacramento.
It is full of beautiful ranch-style homes, condos, and more.
The neighborhood is rather tight-knit, with a crime rate that is 67% below the national average.
River Park is known for its high-quality schools, such as Kit Carson International Academy and Caleb Greenwood.
There are also many restaurants in River Park, such as Dos Coyotes and Village Pizza & Grill.
6. Pocket
Pocket is another safe neighborhood in Sacramento.
The population of Pocket is 12,508 and is mainly made up of families that are upper-middle, upper-middle, and middle-class.
The crime rate in Pocket is 52% below the national average.
So, whether you are visiting or looking for a haven to call your new home, Pocket is perfect.
Pocket offers residents easy access to downtown Sacramento and highways.
There are plenty of amazing restaurants in Pocket in addition to parks where residents can enjoy hiking, biking, and picnics.
7. Natomas Park
Natomas Park has a population of 7,711 and is highly regarded as a safe neighborhood in Sacramento.
It is infamous for having low crime rates.
Overall, the crime rate in Natomas Park is 60% below the national average.
Residents who live here can enjoy plenty of open areas for walking, high-quality schools, and much more.
The neighborhood also has many affordable apartments, townhomes, and houses.
8. Southeast
South East also made the list of the safest neighborhoods in Sacramento.
The population of South East is 5,004.
The crime rate is 971 per 100,000 residents.
The neighborhood is an equal mixture of both one-story and two-story homes, most of which were built between 1970 and 1980.
Within a few miles of South East, you’ll find the Sacramento Freeway for quick access to downtown Sacramento.
South East has many top-rated restaurants and is perfect for those who love Asian cuisine.
9. Willowcreek
Willowcreek has a crime rate of 1209 per 100,000 residents and is also noted as one of the safest neighborhoods in Sacramento.
The population is 4,780.
The average cost of a home in Willowcreek is $405,950.
For families, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities in Willowcreek, including playgrounds, parks, and more.
There are also many daycare centers located right in the neighborhood.
Not only is Willowcreek safe, but it’s also walkable.
There are many amenities throughout the neighborhood, including coffee shops, restaurants, and stores.
10. Colonial Village
Last on the list of the safest neighborhoods in Sacramento is Colonial Village.
The population here is 3,258 and the crime rate is 1289 per 100,000 people.
Many of the homes in Colonial Village were built between the 1950s and 1960s.
There are plenty of ranch-style homes and bungalows in the neighborhood.
Colonial Village is conveniently located close to downtown Sacramento for those looking to do a little shopping.
Colonial Village also has many top-notch schools where children can receive quality education, including Earl Warren Elementary and Umoja International Academy.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Sacramento
Here are five safety tips to keep in mind when traveling to Sacramento:
- Do your research. Before traveling to Sacramento, make sure that you take the necessary time out to conduct some research into your destination. Make sure you are familiar with any safety hazards, laws, and customs.
- Secure your valuables. Another tip to keep in mind when traveling to Sacramento is to ensure you keep your valuables safe at all times. If you can, purchase a hidden pouch or belt to keep your money and other critical items. Utilize the safe inside your hotel room for storing valuable items.
- Be aware of your surroundings. This tip is a given and is important no matter where you travel. You should always pay close attention to your surroundings. Never walk alone in areas that are unknown to you, especially during the night. If you’re going to be using public transportation, use caution.
- Only use reputable transportation. While you’re exploring Sacramento, be sure that you only utilize reliable transportation to get around. For example, unlicensed taxis may not be the best option as they may pose a safety risk. Make sure you do some research on the available public transportation in Sacramento before you get there.
- Keep your phone charged. Before you hit the streets, make sure that your phone is fully charged. In the event of an emergency, make sure that you have a backup source for power, such as a portable charger.
Sacramento Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Sacramento Safety Review
Safety Index:- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Sacramento?
The following neighborhoods should be avoided, as they are known to be the most dangerous in Sacramento:
- Midtown
- Gardenland
- Del Paso Park
- Parker Homes
- South Hagginwood
- Upper Land Park
- Metro Center
- Wills Acres
What are the most common types of crimes in Sacramento?
In 2021 alone, Sacramento saw a huge increase in murders being committed in addition to assault, rape, and gun-related crimes.
Overall, Sacramento sees a lot of the following crimes:
- Rape
- Assault
- Robbery
- Motor vehicle theft
- Larceny
Is it safe to travel with my family to Sacramento?
Yes, it is safe to travel with your family to Sacramento.
Many of the tourist areas are extremely safe.
However, if you’re going to be traveling to downtown Sacramento, you’ll want to practice extra caution.
A lot of crime does occur in downtown Sacramento, especially during the night.