7 Dangerous Areas to Avoid in San Francisco in 2024

Tenderloin District

Located in downtown San Francisco, the Tenderloin District is perhaps the city’s most crime-ridden and dangerous neighborhood. The most awestruck news from the Tenderloin in recent years is not just the homeless problem that plagues the area (and the city as a whole). But there are also violent crimes like assaults and robberies. Drugs are sold out in the open — and of all kinds, including fentanyl. The neighborhood is ridden with danger, not only at night but also during the day. The city is actively trying to curb the problems in the Tenderloin and combat it head-on.

Market Street/South of Market

The area of SoMa is a district that has historically had higher crime than other areas in San Francisco. In fact, the crime rate is 67% higher than the entire nation. The crime that South of Market specifically deals with is related to property crime and theft. The reason behind this is its mixed-use buildings with residential and commercial spaces. The sketchier parts of the neighborhood are usually between 5th and 10th Streets, as other parts in South of Market are better and have less crime.

The Mission District

The Mission District is known as the center of San Francisco’s Chicano and Hispanic community. Although the district has many restaurants, bars, and shops that have revitalized the neighborhood. It also has a lot of character, but once nighttime hits, things become more sketchy. The higher crime rate is usually because of vandalism that happens throughout the area, as well as violence and theft. You can enjoy the nightlife here, but sometimes the more problematic regions are in the darker and lonelier areas.

Western Addition

The Western Addition is one of the most dangerous areas in San Francisco. It experiences higher crime rates than other districts throughout the city. The most prevalent crimes that happen in the Western Addition are muggings and car thefts. Other common crimes include property break-ins and drug-related crimes. The Western Addition is a community located in Central San Francisco, and although it was historically crime-ridden and unsafe, gentrification has made it a bit better than before.

Bayview-Hunters Point

The Bayview-Hunters Point area has been historically more low-income and more susceptible to crime, which includes domestic violence, as well as gang activity. Gun violence is especially bad in this area and it’s so bad that the crime rate is way over the national average. Unfortunately, after Candlestick Park was demolished, more crime flooded in this area. There could be a correlation between poverty and crime, as a higher crime rate has always existed in this area.

Outer Mission

The Outer Mission District is a residential neighborhood close to the border between San Francisco and Daly City. It has a crime rate that is a whopping 31% higher than the rest of the country.

The crimes that are more prevalent in the neighborhood usually include domestic violence, hate crimes, assault, theft, and drug crimes. The good thing is that violent crimes and gun-related crimes are quite rare. It is important to note that not all areas in Outer Mission are crime-ridden; some areas are better and safer.

Visitacion Valley

The Cow Palace arena is located in Visitacion Valley. Furthermore, the district of Visitacion Valley is a more affordable place to live for people who can’t afford the center of San Francisco.

Unfortunately, Visitacion Valley has historically been more crime-ridden than other areas in the city. The challenges and problems it has encountered have been higher than the California and national averages. The total violent crime rate is 7.4 per 1,000 residents, which is quite high.