Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Oakland

By PropertyClub Team
Nov 7th 2023
Located east of San Francisco, Oakland is an iconic California city in the Bay Area. Despite having a crime rate that is 175% above the national average, Oakland remains a major economic hub. If you’re thinking of visiting or moving to the city, read on to discover the ten worst neighborhoods in Oakland for crime.

hash-mark10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Oakland

  1. Eastmont
  2. Acorn
  3. Webster
  4. Fitchburg
  5. Hoover-Foster
  6. San Pablo Gateway
  7. Hawthorne
  8. Foothill Square
  9. South Kennedy Tract
  10. Fremont

hash-mark1. Eastmont

Eastmont is the worst neighborhood in Oakland due to its crime rate, which is 419% higher than the national average and 139% higher than the city average. It is a highly dangerous neighborhood in southern Oakland with a long history of violent crime. The neighborhood has a population of around 3,000. On March 21, 2009, four Oakland police officers were shot near the Eastmont Town Center, which was one of the deadliest attacks on law enforcement in California history. Property crime is also a problem in Eastmont, with car theft and burglary being common. 

hash-mark2. Acorn 

Acorn is also one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Oakland. Acord is located near downtown Oakland and has experienced steadily increasing crime rates since 2020. Acorn has a population of 2,274 people and a crime rate that is 416% higher than the national average. Acorn has seen a sharp rise in both violent and property crime, including shootings, robberies, assaults, and various types of theft. Homelessness and drug addiction continue to be problems in Acorn. 

hash-mark3. Webster

Webster is a violent neighborhood located just outside of downtown Oakland. Webster has a population of 3,681 and suffers from a crime rate that is 414% higher than the national average and more than double the city average. Homelessness, drug addiction, and theft are rampant in this part of the city. Residents and visitors constantly complain of unsanitary streets that are littered with trash and homeless encampments. 

hash-mark4. Fitchburg 

Fitchburg is also one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Oakland. Fitchburg is located in southern Oakland near Alameda. Out of a population of 3,052, Fitchburg has a crime rate that is 397% above the national average. The violent crime rate is exorbitantly high, with shootings, homicides, robberies, and assaults being rampant. There were almost 6,600 property crimes recorded during the 2022 year. 

hash-mark5. Hoover-Foster

Hoover-Foster, sometimes called Hoover-Durant, is another dangerous Oakland neighborhood which is located near Telegraph and San Pablo. Hoover-Foster’s population is roughly 4,061, and the area suffers from a crime rate that is 386% above the national average. Violent crime is prevalent in the area, with assaults and robberies being common. Other crimes like theft and drug trafficking are common in the area. Despite this, parts of Hoover-Foster have been revitalized, and the area has attracted many artists and musicians. 

hash-mark6. San Pablo Gateway

Also known as Uptown, San Pable Gateway is located within downtown Oakland. Despite having many restaurants and shops, the area is a hotspot for homeless encampments, drug use, and property theft. With a population of 2,704, San Pablo Gateway has a crime rate that is 360% higher than the national average. There were almost 10,600 incidents of property crime recorded during 2022, with vehicle theft being rampant. 

hash-mark7. Hawthorne 

Hawthorne is another one of the worst areas in Oakland for crime. This neighborhood is located in southern Oakland near Fruitville Station. With a population of around 3,744, Hawthorne’s total crime rate is 352% above the national average. The area has struggled with crime and poverty for years, with shootings, drug trafficking, and robberies being common. Homelessness is a major problem in Hawthorne, with many encampments and unsanitary streets in the area. 

hash-mark8. Foothill Square

Foothill Square is a violent neighborhood located in southern Oakland near San Leandro. While violent crime is high, theft and property crime account for the vast number of incidents in Foothill Square. The area has a high transient and homeless population, with drug trafficking, theft, and burglaries being common. Foothill Square has a population of 1,432 residents and a crime rate that is 341% above the national average. 

hash-mark9. South Kennedy Tract

South Kennedy Tract is a dangerous Oakland neighborhood located between Alameda and Fruitville Station. The neighborhood has a population of roughly 1,893 and a crime rate that is 338% above the US average. In 2022, there were 2,491 violent crimes and 12,325 property crimes in the area. The most prevalent types of crime include theft, vehicle theft, assault, and burglary. 

hash-mark10. Fremont

Fremont is also one of the worst neighborhoods in Oakland for crime. Fremont is located 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. 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 and violence in the area.