Philips ConnorCalifornia is known for its beauty, but it also has cities with high crime rates. Crimes included in this type of listings include property crimes, auto thefts, robberies, homicides, and drug related offenses.
This list attempts to generalize the crime rates, even though some types of crimes may seem weightier than others. For example, murder may occur only once in one place, while property crimes may be reported in the hundreds. That place may still rank high for crime.
Here are some of the most dangerous cities in the state.
Most Dangerous Cities In California
1. Emeryville
Emeryville, despite its small size, has one of the highest crime rates in the U.S. Residents face a 1 in 65 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 6 chance of property crime, including theft and burglary. The city’s safety ranking places it in the bottom 7% nationwide, indicating significant safety concerns.
2. Oakland
Oakland has long struggled with high crime rates. As of 2021, residents had a 1 in 28 chance of becoming victims of violent crime. The city also faces challenges with property crimes, with a 1 in 10 chance of victimization. Recent incidents, including a surge in sideshows and homicides, underscore ongoing safety issues.
3. Commerce
Commerce ranks among the most dangerous cities in America, with a violent crime rate of 1,553 per 100,000 people. Residents have a 1 in 72 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 7 chance of property crime. The city’s safety percentile is alarmingly low, placing it in the bottom 2% nationwide.
4. Signal Hill
Signal Hill’s violent crime rate stands at 734 per 100,000 residents, translating to a 1 in 148 chance of victimization. Property crime is also prevalent, with a 1 in 19 chance. The city ranks in the 14th percentile for safety, indicating it’s safer than only 14% of U.S. cities.
5. Marysville
Marysville has a violent crime rate of 724 per 100,000 people, with residents facing a 1 in 147 chance of becoming victims. Property crime is also a concern, with a 1 in 49 chance. The city ranks in the 13th percentile for safety, highlighting significant safety challenges.
6. Vallejo
Vallejo’s violent crime rate is 974 per 100,000 residents, equating to a 1 in 123 chance of victimization. Property crime is also high, with a 1 in 24 chance. The city ranks in the bottom 10% for safety nationwide, reflecting ongoing concerns.
7. Stockton
Stockton has one of the highest crime rates in America, with residents facing a 1 in 23 chance of experiencing either violent or property crime. The city’s crime rate stands at 43 per 1,000 residents, placing it among the top 10 most dangerous cities in California.
8. Modesto
Modesto’s violent crime rate is 762 per 100,000 residents, translating to a 1 in 132 chance of victimization. The overall crime rate is 29 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S.
9. Richmond
Richmond has faced challenges with violent crime, including homicides and assaults. While specific recent statistics are limited, the city has historically struggled with safety concerns, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
10. Merced
Merced has experienced issues with gang-related violence and property crimes. While exact figures vary, the city has been working to address these challenges through community programs and increased law enforcement efforts.
11. Fresno
Fresno has seen a decline in violent crimes in recent years. In 2024, homicides dropped to 30 from 35 in 2023, continuing a downward trend from previous years. Shootings also decreased from 359 in 2023 to 221 in 2024. Despite these improvements, property crimes remain a concern, affecting residents’ quality of life.
12. Sacramento
Sacramento experienced a significant drop in violent crime in 2023, with an 18.2% decrease in the first nine months compared to the same period in 2022. Gun violence victimization fell by 33%, and homicides and rapes decreased by 40%. Aggravated assaults also saw a 21% reduction. The city has invested in community-based organizations to support crime prevention efforts.
13. Inglewood
Inglewood has a violent crime rate of 665 per 100,000 residents, which is 79.8% higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is 53.4% higher than the national average, with property crimes also contributing significantly. Residents face a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of property crime.
14. Antioch
Antioch’s violent crime rate is 575 per 100,000 residents, with approximately 12 murders, 55 rapes, 238 robberies, and 343 aggravated assaults reported annually. The city also faces challenges with property crimes, including burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
15. Eureka
Eureka has a crime rate of 50 per 1,000 residents, placing it among the highest in the nation. Residents have a 1 in 20 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime. Violent crimes are 165% higher than the national average, and the overall crime rate is 104% higher.
16. Red Bluff
Red Bluff’s crime rate stands at 74 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the highest in the U.S. Residents face a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of crime. The overall crime rate is 153.2% higher than the national average, with both violent and property crimes contributing to this statistic.
17. San Bernardino
San Bernardino has a crime rate of 44 per 1,000 residents, placing it among the highest in the nation. Residents have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime. The city ranks in the bottom 4% for safety nationwide.
18. Barstow
Barstow’s crime rate is 35 per 1,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 1,088 per 100,000 residents, more than double the national average. Residents have a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim of crime. The city faces challenges with both violent and property crimes.
19. Bakersfield
Bakersfield has faced challenges with violent crimes, including homicides and assaults. The city has been the focus of true-crime documentaries highlighting interconnected tragedies and systemic issues. Efforts are ongoing to address crime through community engagement and law enforcement initiatives.
20. Salinas
Salinas has experienced issues with gang-related violence and property crimes. While exact figures vary, the city has been working to address these challenges through community programs and increased law enforcement efforts.
21. Pomona
Pomona faces significant safety challenges, with a violent crime rate of 1 in 148 and a property crime rate of 1 in 33. The city has consistently reported high levels of violent offenses, including homicides and aggravated assaults. From 2013 to 2022, Pomona averaged about 55 homicides and non-fatal injury shootings per year, with a total of 85 victims killed between 2014 and 2024. These figures place Pomona among the most dangerous cities in California.
22. Porterville
Porterville’s overall crime rate is 10.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, the violent crime rate stands at 485 per 100,000 residents, which is 31.2% higher than the national average. Property crimes, including burglary and theft, also contribute to the city’s elevated crime statistics. These factors combine to make Porterville a city with notable safety concerns.
23. Rancho Cordova
Rancho Cordova experiences a crime rate of 28.5 per 1,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000. While the city has seen a 61% decrease in violent and property crimes between 2004 and 2019, recent statistics indicate that it remains safer than only 10% of U.S. cities. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, are prevalent, contributing to ongoing safety challenges.
24. Redding
Redding has a violent crime rate of 1 in 158 and a property crime rate of 1 in 36, indicating higher-than-average crime levels. In 2024, the city reported over 11,000 arrests, including more than 2,000 felonies. While there has been a decline in overall crime, challenges with repeat offenders persist, maintaining Redding’s reputation for safety concerns.
25. Redlands
Redlands’ crime rate stands at 33 per 1,000 residents, placing it among the highest in the nation. Residents have a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime. Property crimes, including burglary and theft, are particularly prevalent, contributing to the city’s elevated crime statistics.
26. Rialto
Rialto is one of the most dangerous cities in California; it has a crime rate of 33 per 1,000 residents, with residents facing a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of crime. The city experiences both violent and property crimes at rates higher than the national average, including incidents of robbery, assault, and theft. These factors contribute to Rialto’s reputation for safety concerns.
27. Riverside
Riverside has seen a significant decrease in crime rates, with robbery down 15.6%, burglary down 30.2%, and vehicle theft down 22% between 2023 and 2024. Despite these improvements, the city continues to address safety challenges, particularly in areas with higher crime concentrations. Ongoing efforts aim to sustain and further these positive trends.
28. San Diego
San Diego experienced a notable decline in crime in 2024, with homicides dropping by 22%, shootings by 30%, and robberies and sexual assaults each falling by close to 11%. These reductions contribute to San Diego’s reputation as one of the safer large cities in the U.S., though certain neighborhoods may still face localized safety issues.
29. San Francisco
San Francisco saw a significant 31% decrease in homicides from 2023 to 2024, indicating a reduction in violent crime. However, certain neighborhoods continue to experience high levels of property crimes, such as burglaries and car thefts. In 2024, the city recorded 41 traffic-related deaths, surpassing the number of homicides and highlighting ongoing safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.
30. San Jose
San Jose has experienced fluctuations in crime rates, with certain areas reporting increases in property crimes and assaults. While the city overall maintains a moderate crime rate, specific neighborhoods face challenges related to theft, burglary, and occasional violent incidents. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues through community engagement and law enforcement initiatives.
31. San Leandro
San Leandro faces significant safety challenges, with a violent crime rate of 1 in 146 and a property crime rate of 1 in 17. The city experiences high rates of robbery and motor vehicle theft, contributing to its elevated crime statistics.
32. San Rafael
San Rafael has a crime rate of 33 per 1,000 residents, placing it among the highest in the nation. Residents have a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime. The city’s violent crime rate is 44.6% higher than the national average.
33. Santa Ana
Santa Ana’s violent crime rate stands at 1 in 181, with property crimes affecting 1 in 50 residents. The city experiences higher-than-average rates of assault and motor vehicle theft, contributing to ongoing safety concerns.
34. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara has a crime rate of 30 per 1,000 residents, with a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of crime. The city faces challenges with property crimes, including theft and burglary, impacting residents’ sense of security.
35. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz experiences a violent crime rate of 1 in 146 and a property crime rate of 1 in 35. The city faces challenges with theft and burglary, contributing to its elevated crime statistics.
36. Santa Maria
Santa Maria’s violent crime rate is 1 in 162, with property crimes affecting 1 in 41 residents. The city has higher-than-average rates of assault and motor vehicle theft, contributing to safety concerns.
37. Santa Monica
Santa Monica has a crime rate of 56 per 1,000 residents, placing it among the highest in the nation. Residents face a 1 in 18 chance of becoming a victim of crime, with property crimes, particularly theft, being prevalent.
38. Tulare
Tulare’s violent crime rate stands at 1 in 157, with property crimes affecting 1 in 48 residents. The city experiences higher-than-average rates of assault and motor vehicle theft, contributing to ongoing safety challenges.
39. Union City
Union City experiences a violent crime rate of 1 in 198 and a property crime rate of 1 in 30. The city reports a violent crime rate of 368 per 100,000 residents, with approximately 2 murders, 8 rapes, 79 robberies, and 188 aggravated assaults annually.
40. Ventura
Ventura has a violent crime rate of 1 in 229 and a property crime rate of 1 in 46. While the city’s violent crime rate is higher than the national average, property crimes such as burglary and theft are particularly prevalent, contributing to ongoing safety concerns.
41. Victorville
Victorville experiences a violent crime rate of 1 in 106 and a property crime rate of 1 in 56. The city reports a violent crime rate of 940 per 100,000 people, placing it among the most dangerous cities in America.
42. Visalia
Visalia has a crime rate of 30 per 1,000 residents, with a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime. The city’s overall crime rate is 23% higher than the national average, with approximately 11.33 daily crimes reported.
43. Vista
Vista experiences a violent crime rate of 1 in 267 and a property crime rate of 1 in 80. While the city’s violent crime rate is slightly higher than the national average, property crimes, including burglary and theft, are prevalent, contributing to safety concerns.
44. Watsonville
Watsonville has a violent crime rate of 1 in 165 and a property crime rate of 1 in 50. The city’s violent crime rate is 586 per 100,000 individuals, which is 58.5% higher than the national average, highlighting significant safety challenges.
45. West Sacramento
West Sacramento experiences a violent crime rate of 1 in 465 and a property crime rate of 1 in 82. While the city’s violent crime rate is lower than the national average, property crimes such as burglary and theft remain concerns for residents.
Summary
This list of the most dangerous places in California is created by generalizing available data. It is not intended to be investment advice. Therefore, it is a good idea to get first hand information from a lawyer or investment adviser before proceeding.