Is Berkeley or Santa Fe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Berkeley is safer than Santa Fe (Safety Score 2/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,869 per 100,000 versus 5,999 for Santa Fe — 2% lower. Berkeley has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Santa Fe has a 52% lower rate.
Berkeley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Santa Fe — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Berkeley, CA
Santa Fe, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Berkeley | Santa Fe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,868.8 | 5,998.8 | -129.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 639.7 | 842.2 | -202.5 |
| Murder Rate | 6.0 | 4.5 | +1.5 |
| Rape Rate | 46.0 | 64.7 | -18.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 186.5 | 89.2 | +97.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 400.3 | 683.8 | -283.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,229.1 | 5,156.6 | +72.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 661.0 | 973.8 | -312.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,655.9 | 3,380.9 | +275.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 912.3 | 802.0 | +110.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkeley or Santa Fe safer?
Berkeley is safer with a total crime rate of 5,869 per 100K vs 5,999 for Santa Fe — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Berkeley has a violent crime rate of 639.7 per 100K while Santa Fe has 842.2. Berkeley has lower violent crime.
About Berkeley, CA
Berkeley, California, home to a world-renowned university and the Free Speech Movement, sits on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. This diverse city's population is highly educated, with a significant proportion holding graduate degrees. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 117,400, Berkeley has a total crime rate of 5,868.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Santa Fe, NM
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the nation's oldest capital city. Its adobe architecture and vibrant arts scene reflect a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, drawing a diverse, often affluent, population. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 89,652, Santa Fe has a total crime rate of 5,998.8 per 100,000 residents.