Is South San Francisco Safe, Pros and cons of living in South San Francisco

Is it Safe to Live in South San Francisco?

South San Francisco presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates significantly above the national average. The city has a violent crime rate of 300.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 326% higher than the national average (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data). Property crime also remains a concern, with a rate of 1558.8 per 100,000 residents. These statistics contribute to an overall safety grade of F, indicating high risk (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data).

Despite these statistics, some residents describe the area as quiet and peaceful. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in South San Francisco is 1 in 55. While the city’s violent crime rate is higher than many communities nationwide, it is 37% below the California average.

Violent Crime Breakdown

Within the violent crime category, aggravated assault accounts for the majority of incidents. In a recent reporting period, there were 151 aggravated assaults, 22 robberies, 14 rapes, and 0 murders recorded. These figures highlight specific areas of concern within the broader violent crime statistics.

Property Crime Breakdown

Property crime in South San Francisco is dominated by larceny-theft, which constitutes the largest portion of Part I offenses. Recent data shows 689 incidents of larceny-theft, alongside 217 motor vehicle thefts and 64 burglaries. Arson incidents were also recorded.

Cost of Living and Housing in South San Francisco

The cost of living in South San Francisco is considerably higher than the national average, largely driven by housing expenses. Overall, the cost of living is approximately 44% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing costs are particularly high, standing at 103% above the national average.

Housing Market Overview

The median home price in South San Francisco was approximately $1.24 million in a recent month, showing a slight decrease of 0.32% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). However, other reports indicate that the median sale price of a home was $1.3 million in March 2026, an increase of 11.7% since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median home value is reported as $1,220,984 (as reported by Livability.com).

Rental Market Snapshot

For renters, the median gross rent in South San Francisco was $2,649 in 2022 (as reported by US Census Bureau). More recent data indicates an average rent of $3,500 per month (as reported by Zillow). The monthly rent has seen an increase of $83 month-over-month and $500 year-over-year (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

South San Francisco’s economy is robust, employing approximately 36,600 people in 2022 (as reported by US Census Bureau). The largest industries contributing to employment are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services. The highest-paying industries include Utilities, Management of Companies & Enterprises, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services.

Average Salaries

The average annual salary in South San Francisco is reported to be around $141,227, equating to an hourly wage of approximately $68 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Other sources indicate an average annual salary of $87,410, with salaries typically ranging between $68,150 and $105,832 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). H1B salaries data for FY 2026 shows a median salary of $155,100 (as reported by FinanceCharts.com).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in South San Francisco was 3.90% as of a recent report, which is lower than the long-term average of 5.01% (as reported by YCharts). The employment rate is currently 97.33% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). For the broader San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City Metropolitan Division, the unemployment rate was 3.8% in February 2026 (as reported by the California Employment Development Department).

Major Employers

South San Francisco is a hub for major companies, particularly in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Key employers include Roche Holding AG, AstraZeneca, and Genentech, a subsidiary of Roche. Other significant companies with a presence in the city include Kaiser Permanente, Amazon, and Seagate Technology.

Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals

The city is renowned as a center for the biotech industry, with companies like Genentech playing a foundational role in its development. These companies drive innovation and provide substantial employment opportunities within the region.

Other Notable Industries

Beyond biotech, South San Francisco also hosts major players in healthcare, retail, and technology. This diversity in industry contributes to a dynamic and resilient local economy.

Climate in South San Francisco

South San Francisco experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild weather year-round. Temperatures rarely become excessively hot or cold, and the city does not experience distinct four seasons. Summer highs typically do not drop much below the mid-40s Fahrenheit.

Temperature and Rainfall

The climate is generally temperate, with average summer high temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Official records for San Francisco, which is geographically close, date back to 1849 for rainfall and 1875 for temperature, making it a key climate data station for the state (as reported by NOAA Institutional Repository).

Education in South San Francisco

South San Francisco offers a range of educational opportunities, with several public schools serving the community. Niche.com provides ratings for various schools, with some receiving high marks for diversity and overall quality.

School Ratings and Performance

South San Francisco High School has a B+ overall Niche grade and is noted for its diversity. State test scores indicate that 24% of students are proficient in math and 61% in reading (as reported by Niche). Other schools like Beach Park Elementary School and Hoover Elementary School also receive positive mentions (as reported by Niche).

District Overview

The South San Francisco Unified School District receives a B+ overall rating. While the teaching quality is described as average by some, the district is recognized for its diversity and the supportive nature of its staff.

Demographics of South San Francisco

South San Francisco is a diverse city with a population of approximately 65,596 as of 2022 (as reported by US Census Bureau). The median age is 42.3 years (as reported by US Census Bureau). The city’s population is comprised of a significant Asian demographic (43%), followed by Hispanic (29%) and White (22%) residents (as reported by US Census Bureau).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The latest demographic data indicates that Asian residents form the largest group at 41.8%, followed by Hispanic residents at 32.1%, and White residents at 20% (as reported by US Census Bureau). This diverse makeup contributes to the unique cultural fabric of the city.

Age and Household Income

The median age in South San Francisco is 43.2 years (as reported by Data Commons). The median household income was reported as $136,578 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau), with some census tracts showing significantly higher median incomes. A poverty rate of 4.9% is also noted for families in the city (as reported by US Census Bureau).