California is known for beautiful scenery, busy cities, and diversified culture. However, despite its lavish outside, certain areas offer serious dangers to visitors. Understanding the Most Dangerous Cities In California In 2024 is critical for both residents and visitors, allowing them to make informed choices and prioritise their safety.
Table of Contents
Most Dangerous Cities In California In 2024
The most dangerous cities in California based on various sources are:
| Rank | City | Violent Crime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emeryville | 2,356 |
| 2 | Oakland | 1,547 |
| 3 | San Bernardino | 1,310 |
| 4 | Stockton | 1,260 |
| 5 | Compton | 1,105 |
| 6 | Vallejo | 966 |
| 7 | Richmond | 921 |
| 8 | Modesto | 742 |
| 9 | Merced | 599 |
| 10 | Bakersfield | 498 |
1. Emeryville
Emeryville is recognized as the most dangerous city in California, with a violent crime rate of 2,356 per 100,000 population. It has a small population of about 12,905 and a high percentage of property and car theft. Residents have a 1 in 5 risk of becoming victims of property crime, with larceny-theft accounting for 92% of all reported cases.
While these data show a high crime rate, it’s crucial to realize that safety varies throughout the city, with some neighborhoods being safer than others. Because of the city’s small population, each resident has a one-in-43 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime, making it the most dangerous location to live in California.
2. Oakland
With a population of 433,823 and a high rate of violent crime, Oakland is regarded as one of California’s most dangerous cities. It has unusually high crime rates, which, while they have reduced during the 1990s, remain far higher than the national average.
The city has a multidimensional challenge, including high rates of violence and property crime. Oakland’s crime statistics show a high rate of murder, rape, robbery, and serious assault.
3. San Bernardino
San Bernardino is considered one of the most dangerous cities in California, having a high level of violent crime. It has a violent crime rate of 14.91 incidents per 1,000 residents, which exceeds both the national and state averages, creating serious concerns about public safety.
Property crimes dominate the city’s criminal environment, accounting for 30.64 incidences per 100,000 population. According to a WalletHub analysis, San Bernardino ranks 180th among the most dangerous cities in the United States. With a population of around 222,017 and a high level of violent crime, the city is one of the most dangerous places to live in California.
4. Stockton
Stockton, with a population of 313,604, is regarded as one of the most hazardous cities in California. It has a high violent crime rate of 1,397 per 100,000 population, with about 34 murders, 181 rapes, 1,158 robberies, and 3,007 aggravated assaults reported per year.
The city’s crime rate is much higher than the state and national averages, raising concerns about public safety. Poverty, unemployment, a lack of education, and social injustice all contribute to Stockton’s high crime rate. The city’s high crime rates, especially violent crime, present a serious issue for residents.
5. Compton
Compton is a city in the Gateway Cities region of southern Los Angeles County, California, USA, with a population of 95,740 according to the 2020 census. It is referred to as the “Hub City” because of its physical location in Los Angeles County.
Compton is known for its high crime rates, gang violence, and social issues. While the city has taken steps to address these challenges, it still has fears about public safety and crime. The city’s population, history, and continuous efforts to address its difficulties create a dynamic and diversified community within the Los Angeles area.
6. Vallejo
Vallejo is regarded as one of the most dangerous cities in California. It has a population of 124,886 and a violent crime rate of 966 per 100,000, which is 244% higher than the national average. Every year, residents have a one-in-100 chance of becoming victims of a violent crime.
The most common violent crimes in Vallejo are aggravated assault and robbery, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. While efforts to address its issues, crime in Vallejo remains an everyday issue that impacts citizens’ safety and well-being.
7. Richmond
Richmond is regarded as one of California’s most dangerous cities, with a violent crime rate of 931 per 100,000 people, ranking it 11th. The chances of becoming a victim of a crime in the city are one in every 17, which is greater than the national average.
Murders, robberies, and violent crimes are the most common kind of violent crimes in Richmond, while burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft are popular property crimes. Despite efforts to address its issues, crime in Richmond remains a prevalent issue that impacts citizens’ safety and well-being.
8. Modesto
Modesto, California, has a population of approximately 219,000 and is regarded as one of the state’s most dangerous cities. The violent crime rate is 742 per 100,000 persons, 188% higher than the national average. The most common crimes in Modesto are property offenses and thefts.
In 2020, the city had over 5,000 reported property crimes and over 1,600 violent crimes. Modesto has one of the highest rates of car theft in California, with 2,091 reported in 2020, considerably surpassing the national average.
9. Merced
Merced, California, is rated one of the most dangerous cities in the state, with a violent crime rate of 599 per 100,000 population, 244% higher than the national average. It is one of several metro areas in California’s Central Valley that have been named among the top 50 most dangerous in the United States.
The city has the state’s highest murder rate, earning it the nickname “Murder Capital of California.” The rise in homicides contributed to an 8.2% increase in the total violent crime rate. While property crime in Merced has fallen by up to 20% by 2020, violent crime has increased dramatically. From 2019 to 2020, murders in Merced roughly increased, according to FBI figures for that year.
10. Bakersfield
Bakersfield is regarded as one of the most dangerous cities in California. It has a population of approximately 405,000 and is classified as the state’s 10th most dangerous city. The city has a high total crime rate, with a high rate of property crime and violent crime, such as theft, burglary, and murder.
Bakersfield’s overall crime rate is 94% higher than the national average, while its violent crime rate is 27% higher, at 498 per 100,000 population. Despite a 30% decrease in homicides in 2022 from 2020, the city continues to face issues linked to public safety and crime, primarily due to gang activity.
11. Lancaster
Lancaster is one of California’s most dangerous cities, having a population of roughly 160,000. It has a high crime rate, with 447 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 11% higher than the national average. Assault with a weapon and robbery are the most common types of violent crimes in Lancaster, while burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft are popular property crimes.
While efforts to address its issues, crime in Lancaster remains a widespread problem that affects the safety and well-being of its citizens.
12. Victorville
Victorville, California, is regarded as one of the most dangerous cities in America, with a violent crime rate of 940 per 100,000 people, placing it in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities. The city’s crime rate is 18.4% higher than the national average, with a significant number of violent and property offenses. In Victorville, the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 107, while the possibility of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime is 1 in 42.
The city has a high murder rate and an overall crime rate that is 18% higher than the national average. Victorville’s 2020 crime rate was 341, which is 1.3 times more than the U.S. average, and it has had a spike in violent crime and a drop in property crime over the last five years.
13. Huntington Park
Huntington Park, California, is regarded as one of the most dangerous communities in America, with a high crime rate. According to Neighborhood Scout, the city has a crime rate of 42 per 1,000 residents, with a one in every 24 chance of becoming a victim of a violent or property crime. Huntington Park has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, with one in every 135 people becoming victims of violent crime.
Property crimes such as burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson are also common, with a 1 in 29 risk of becoming a victim. This data shows that Huntington Park has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to cities of all sizes, with over 95% of communities in California having a lower crime rate than Huntington Park.
14. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California, has a lower crime rate than other California towns and cities. According to CrimeGrade.org, Santa Cruz is safer than both the California state and national averages. The city received a B- for overall crime, with a violent crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 28.5 per 1,000 residents.
However, according to Fox News, Santa Cruz is ranked 25th among California’s most dangerous cities, with 389 documented violent crimes. The violent crime rate is 596, with around 29 rapes, 88 robberies, and 272 aggravated assaults every year in Santa Cruz.
15. Redding
Redding, California, has been named one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, especially in terms of violent crime. According to CrimeGrade.org, Redding receives a C+ for overall crime, with a violent crime rate of 42.56 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 36 per 1,000 persons.
According to this data, Redding is in the 48th percentile for safety, which means that 52% of cities are safer while 48% are more dangerous. Also, NeighborhoodScout’s study of FBI reported crime data showed that a person’s chances of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Redding are one in 28, with a one in 160 risk of becoming a victim of violent crime and a one in 33 chance of becoming a victim of property crime.
The city has one of the highest rates of auto theft in the country. According to FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program data, the Redding area, which includes all of Shasta County, was the 31st most dangerous city in the United States in terms of violent crime in 2018.
16. Madera
Madera, California has a rather high crime rate, notably for violent crimes. According to Spolin and Dukes, the violent crime rate in Madera is 504, with around 2 murders, 32 rapes, 77 robberies, and 223 serious assaults reported each year. This puts Madera among the most deadly cities in California.
Furthermore, Neighborhood Scout states that the likelihood of being a victim of violent crime in Madera is 1 in 211, while the possibility of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 56, showing a higher crime rate than the national average. As a result, Madera is thought to have a high crime rate, particularly for serious felonies.
17. San Francisco
San Francisco is not considered one of California’s most dangerous cities. While the city has a significant level of property crime, such as theft and burglary, its violent crime rate is near-historically low, at 636 per 100,000 population, or almost 25% lower than in 2006.
San Francisco is statistically safer than several other US cities, including Houston, Dallas, Seattle, and New Orleans. The city still contains places with higher crime rates, such as the Tenderloin and Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhoods.
18. Riverside
Riverside, California has an a little high crime rate, particularly in certain neighborhoods. According to AreaVibes, Riverside’s most dangerous areas are Downtown, Eastside, Hunter Industrial Park, and Magnolia Center, based on the number of violent crimes per 100,000 persons compared to the Riverside violent crime average.
Murder, rape, robbery, and assault are all considered violent crimes. The city’s overall crime rate is in the 40th percentile for safety, which means that 60% of cities are safer while 40% are more dangerous. The city received a C+ for overall crime, with a violent crime rate of 42.56 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 36 per 1,000 residents.
However, according to Spolin and Dukes, Riverside is one of California’s safest cities, with a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average. As a result, the perception of Riverside as a dangerous city could vary based on the source of information and the specific neighborhoods under review.
19. Long Beach
Long Beach, California, is categorized as a city with some neighborhoods suffering higher rates of crime and violence. According to AreaVibes, the most dangerous neighborhoods in Long Beach include Downtown, Eastside, Hunter Industrial Park, and Magnolia Center, ranked by the number of violent crimes per 100,000 persons compared to the Riverside violent crime average.
However, the newest FBI statistics show that the overall crime rate in Long Beach is lower than the national average. The city received a C+ for overall crime, with a violent crime rate of 42.56 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 36 per 1,000 residents.
According to Sacavoyage, Long Beach’s 3 most dangerous areas are the Westside, North Long Beach, and Central Long Beach. Long Beach includes several safe communities, such as Naples, Belmont Shore, and Alamitos Beach, according to crime reports.
20. Fresno
Fresno, California, is considered as one of the most dangerous cities in the state. According to a study, Fresno had a population of 524,796 in 2016 and a violent crime volume of 610.9, including 39 homicides, 158 rapes, 1,122 robberies, and 1,887 aggravated assaults. This matches to a crime rate of 7.4 killings, 30.1 rapes, 213.8 robberies, and 359.6 serious assaults per 100,000.
Fresno has a high crime rate, making it one of California’s most dangerous cities. Additionally, Fresno is one of the top 10 deadliest cities in the United States for people walking, raising concerns about road design and pedestrian safety. As a result, Fresno is regarded a city with major public safety issues, notably in terms of crime and pedestrian safety.
most common types of crime in california
| Crime Type | Details |
|---|---|
| DUI | Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a common crime in California. |
| Domestic Battery | Violence committed against individuals living together or in an intimate relationship is illegal. |
| Shoplifting | Stealing merchandise valued under $950 from a store leads to shoplifting charges. |
| Credit Card Fraud | Fraudulently using someone else’s credit card is considered credit card fraud. |
| Drug Possession | Possessing drugs illegally can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the substance. |
| Assault | Attempting to use force against another person (assault) or using force (battery) are common offenses. |
| Theft | Theft crimes include petty theft (under $950) and grand theft (over $950), including grand theft auto. |
| Burglary | Entering someone’s property to steal or commit a felony crime constitutes burglary. |
| Robbery | Theft involving the use of force or fear is classified as robbery, distinct from burglary. |
| Weapons Charges | Possessing illegal weapons can lead to misdemeanor charges, while using them often results in felonies. |
| Sex Crimes | Offenses range from misdemeanor prostitution to felony child molestation, requiring sex offender registry inclusion. |
| Public Nuisance Ordinances | Offenses like being drunk in public, trespassing, and disturbing the peace fall under this category. |
safety tip to visit Dangerous Cities In California
| Safety Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Stay in well-lit areas | Stick to well-lit streets and avoid walking alone in dark or secluded areas. |
| Keep your valuables out of sight | Conceal your valuables to avoid attracting thieves. |
| Be vigilant in crowded places | Be cautious in crowded areas where pickpockets and scam artists may operate. |
| Register with local park rangers | Inform park rangers of your hiking plans in case of emergencies. |
| Safeguard your hotel | Use hotel safes for valuables and avoid leaving them unattended in your room. |
| Don’t stick out | Avoid looking like a tourist to minimize the risk of being targeted by criminals. |
| Be aware of nearby neighborhoods | Stay alert and be cautious when transitioning between different neighborhoods, especially at night. |
| Travel in groups when possible | Safety in numbers can deter potential threats. |
| Look confident when you walk | Project confidence while walking to appear less vulnerable. |
| Make eye contact with passersby | Establishing eye contact can deter potential wrongdoers. |
| Keep a firm grip on your property | Hold onto your belongings securely to prevent theft or loss. |
Conclusion | Dangerous Cities In California
In short, acknowledging the most dangerous cities in California is critical for protecting personal safety and making informed decisions. Individuals may estimate safety concerns by examining characteristics such as crime rates, poverty levels, and population density. Furthermore, programs focused at addressing safety issues and increasing community involvement are critical in building safer settings for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
- Oakland.
- San Bernardino.
- Stockton.
- Compton.
- Vallejo.
- Richmond.
- Modesto.
The most deadly city in America is Memphis, Tennessee. With a population of 628,127, Memphis’ overall crime rate is 237% greater than the national average. Memphis has 7,913 crimes per 100,000 people, with a particularly high violent crime rate.
- St. Louis, Missouri.
- Oakland, California.
- Memphis, Tennessee.
- Birmingham, Alabama.
- Cleveland, Ohio.
- New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Atlanta, Georgia.
- Chicago, Illinois.
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Detroit, Michigan
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Pueblo, Colorado
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Tacoma, Washington
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Oakland, California
- Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Greenwich, Connecticut
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