Is Burbank Safe? Crime Statistics and Safest Neighborhoods in 2026

If you're considering a move to Burbank, safety is probably one of your top concerns—especially if you have kids.

So let's cut to the chase: Yes, Burbank is safe. In fact, it's one of the safest cities in Los Angeles County.

But "safe" is relative. What does that actually mean? How does Burbank compare to surrounding cities? And which Burbank neighborhoods are the safest?

As a Burbank Realtor who helps families find homes here, I'm going to break down the crime statistics, neighborhood-by-neighborhood safety, and what you should actually be aware of when moving to Burbank.

The Bottom Line: Burbank's Safety Ranking

Burbank consistently ranks as one of the top 10 safest cities in Los Angeles County.

According to recent data:

• Violent crime rate: Significantly below LA County average

• Property crime rate: Below LA County average

• Overall safety score: High

For context, Los Angeles County has 88 cities. Burbank ranks among the safest—usually in the top 5-10, depending on the year and data source.

If safety is your #1 priority, Burbank is an excellent choice.

Burbank Crime Statistics (2025-2026)

Let's look at the actual numbers.

Violent Crime (Per 100,000 Residents):

Burbank: ~150-180 incidentsLA County Average: ~450-500 incidentsNational Average: ~380-400 incidents

What this means: Burbank's violent crime rate is about 60-70% lower than the LA County average and 50-60% lower than the national average.

Property Crime (Per 100,000 Residents):

Burbank: ~1,800-2,000 incidentsLA County Average: ~2,500-3,000 incidentsNational Average: ~2,100-2,300 incidents

What this means: Burbank's property crime rate is about 30-40% lower than the LA County average and 15-20% lower than the national average.

Overall Crime Comparison:

City	Violent Crime	Property Crime	Overall Safety
Burbank	Low	Low	Very Safe
Glendale	Low	Moderate	Safe
Pasadena	Moderate	Moderate	Moderately Safe
Los Angeles	High	High	Less Safe

Burbank is safer than most surrounding cities, including Glendale, Pasadena, and especially Los Angeles.

What Types of Crime Happen in Burbank?

No city is crime-free. Here's what you should know about crime in Burbank:

Most Common Crimes:

1. Property theft (car break-ins, package theft, bicycle theft)

2. Shoplifting (retail theft in commercial areas)

3. Vandalism (graffiti, minor property damage)

4. Burglary (home break-ins—relatively rare but it happens)

   
   

Rare Crimes:

• Violent crime (assault, robbery) - uncommon

• Homicide - extremely rare (1-2 per year on average)

  
  

What this means for you:

You're far more likely to experience a car break-in or package theft than violent crime. Lock your car, don't leave valuables visible, use doorbell cameras, and you'll minimize risk.

Safest Neighborhoods in Burbank (Ranked)

Not all Burbank neighborhoods are equally safe. Here's the breakdown:

#1: Rancho Area

Safety Level: Extremely Safe

Why: Quiet, residential, family-oriented. Low traffic, minimal commercial activity. Parents feel comfortable letting kids bike around.

Crime: Very low property crime, almost no violent crime

Best for: Families with kids

#2: Magnolia Park

Safety Level: Very Safe

Why: Walkable, tight-knit community, good street visibility. Neighbors know each other. Low crime overall.

Crime: Occasional car break-ins near commercial corridor, but rare. Very low violent crime.

Best for: Young professionals, couples, small families

#3: Glenoaks Boulevard Corridor

Safety Level: Safe

Why: Residential streets off Glenoaks are quiet and safe. Main road (Glenoaks) is busier but still safe.

Crime: Slightly more property crime than Rancho or Magnolia Park, but still low. No significant violent crime.

Best for: Families, budget-conscious buyers

#4: Downtown Burbank

Safety Level: Safe (but busier)

Why: More foot traffic, more commercial activity. Still safe, but feels more urban.

Crime: Occasional property crime (bike theft, car break-ins). Rare violent crime.

Best for: Young professionals, renters, people who want walkability

#5: Media District

Safety Level: Safe (but slightly more urban)

Why: Mix of residential and industrial. More transient activity near studios.

Crime: Slightly higher property crime than other Burbank neighborhoods. Still safe overall.

Best for: Entertainment industry professionals, renters

How Safe Is Burbank Compared to Nearby Cities?

Let's compare Burbank to surrounding cities:

Burbank vs. Glendale:

Winner: Burbank (Burbank has lower crime rates overall)

Burbank vs. Pasadena:

Winner: Burbank (Pasadena has higher property crime and slightly higher violent crime)

Burbank vs. Toluca Lake:

Winner: Tie (Both extremely safe, but Toluca Lake has less foot traffic and feels more private)

Burbank vs. Los Angeles (overall):

Winner: Burbank (Burbank is significantly safer than LA overall)

What About Homelessness and Transient Activity?

This is a concern in many LA County cities. Here's the situation in Burbank:

Burbank has less visible homelessness than most LA County cities.

Where you might see it:

• Near the 5 Freeway underpasses

• Downtown Burbank (occasionally)

• Near bus stops and transit centers

  
  

Where you won't see it:

• Rancho neighborhoods

• Magnolia Park residential streets

• Most family-friendly areas

  
  

Burbank's approach:

• Burbank has its own police department (not LAPD)

• The city actively enforces quality-of-life ordinances

• There are outreach programs for unhoused individuals

  
  

Compared to cities like Los Angeles, Santa Monica, or even Pasadena, Burbank has significantly less visible homelessness.

School Safety in Burbank

If you have kids, school safety matters.

Burbank Unified School District has:

• School resource officers (police presence on campuses)

• Secure campuses (controlled entry, visitor check-in)

• Active shooter drills (standard in California schools)

• Anti-bullying programs

  
  

Incidents of violence in Burbank schools are rare. The district takes safety seriously, and parents consistently rate schools as safe.

What Should You Be Aware Of?

Burbank is safe, but here are a few things to know:

1. Car Break-Ins

Where: Parking lots near commercial areas (Downtown Burbank, near the airport)

Prevention: Don't leave valuables visible in your car. Lock your doors.

2. Package Theft

Where: Anywhere packages are left on doorsteps

Prevention: Use doorbell cameras, request signature on delivery, or use Amazon Lockers.

3. Bicycle Theft

Where: Downtown Burbank, near Metro stations

Prevention: Use high-quality locks. Don't leave expensive bikes unattended.

4. Occasional Petty Crime Near Transit

Where: Near Metrolink stations, bus stops

What: Minor theft, transient activity

Prevention: Be aware of your surroundings. Don't leave valuables unattended.

None of these are unique to Burbank—they happen in every city. Burbank just has less of it than most LA County cities.

How Does Burbank Keep Crime Low?

Burbank has its own police department (not LAPD). This makes a big difference.

Burbank PD is:

• Well-funded (higher budget per capita than LAPD)

• Community-oriented (officers know the neighborhoods)

• Responsive (faster response times than LAPD)

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Other factors:

• Strong community involvement (Neighborhood Watch programs, community policing)

• Well-maintained infrastructure (streetlights, sidewalks, parks)

• Active code enforcement (graffiti removal, property maintenance)

  
  

Burbank takes public safety seriously, and it shows.

Final Thoughts: Should Safety Concerns Stop You from Moving to Burbank?

No.

Burbank is one of the safest cities in Los Angeles County. If you're moving from another major city, you'll likely feel Burbank is very safe.

Is it perfect? No. Minor property crime happens. But violent crime is rare, and most neighborhoods feel safe to walk at night.

If safety is your #1 priority, Burbank is an excellent choice—especially neighborhoods like Rancho, Magnolia Park, and Glenoaks Corridor.

If you're ready to find a home in one of Burbank's safest neighborhoods, let's talk. I know which streets are quietest, which areas have the best school access, and which homes offer the best value.

Michelle Crochet

Realtor | eXp Realty of Greater Los Angeles

DRE #02099298

📞 (818) 688-2062✉️ mc@magnoliagroupla.com