Author: CrimeData.io Research Team
In a world filled with both promise and peril, understanding the areas where safety concerns loom large becomes crucial. Join us on an eye-opening expedition as we uncover the 25 most dangerous cities across California. From bustling urban hubs to underprivileged neighborhoods, these communities grapple with security challenges that demand attention.
Where does the crime data come from?
This comprehensive list of the safest and most dangerous cities in California is backed by credible data sourced directly from the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NBIRS). By relying on this authoritative database, we ensure that the information presented here is not only accurate but also up-to-date. The FBI's NBIRS system is a trusted source for crime statistics, providing valuable insights into the security landscapes of cities and communities across the nation.
How do we rank the cities?
Our ranking system is based on the total number of crimes reported in each city. We then calculated the crime rate per 100,000 population for each city. The cities with the lowest crime rates were ranked as the safest cities in California. Conversely, the cities with the highest crime rates were ranked as the most dangerous cities in California.
To ensure the relevance and accuracy of our rankings, this list includes only cities and communities in California with a population of more than 5,000 residents. This population threshold allows us to focus on areas where a significant number of people live and work, providing a meaningful perspective on safety for the majority of our readers.
The data presented in this report spans a period from 2012 to 2021. By aggregating information over this decade, we gain valuable insights into the trends and changes in safety and crime rates within California. This long-term perspective allows us to identify both short-term fluctuations and broader patterns, providing a comprehensive view of the security landscape in the state.
County: Stanislaus
3,122
Crime per 100,000 population
+5.03%
vs. California average
+7.22%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in West Modesto from 2012 to 2022
West Modesto is an area in Stanislaus, California with population of 5,882.
The total crime rate in West Modesto is based on the nearest law agency agency, Modesto Police Department (CA0500200).
West Modesto total crime rate is 3,122 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in West Modesto
County: Stanislaus
3,122
Crime per 100,000 population
+5.03%
vs. California average
+7.22%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Modesto from 2012 to 2022
Modesto is an area in Stanislaus, California with population of 382,994.
The total crime rate in Modesto is based on the nearest law agency agency, Modesto Police Department (CA0500200).
Modesto total crime rate is 3,122 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Modesto
County: Imperial
3,158
Crime per 100,000 population
+6.25%
vs. California average
+8.46%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Heber from 2012 to 2022
Heber is an area in Imperial, California with population of 8,346.
The total crime rate in Heber is based on the nearest law agency agency, El Centro Police Department (CA0130400).
Heber total crime rate is 3,158 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Heber
County: Imperial
3,158
Crime per 100,000 population
+6.25%
vs. California average
+8.46%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in El Centro from 2012 to 2022
El Centro is an area in Imperial, California with population of 110,434.
The total crime rate in El Centro is based on the nearest law agency agency, El Centro Police Department (CA0130400).
El Centro total crime rate is 3,158 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in El Centro
County: San Luis Obispo
3,346
Crime per 100,000 population
+12.55%
vs. California average
+14.89%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Pismo Beach from 2012 to 2022
Pismo Beach is an area in San Luis Obispo, California with population of 8,058.
The total crime rate in Pismo Beach is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pismo Beach Police Department (CA0400500).
Pismo Beach total crime rate is 3,346 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Pismo Beach
County: Los Angeles
3,586
Crime per 100,000 population
+20.63%
vs. California average
+23.14%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in El Segundo from 2012 to 2022
El Segundo is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 17,243.
The total crime rate in El Segundo is based on the nearest law agency agency, El Segundo Police Department (CA0192300).
El Segundo total crime rate is 3,586 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in El Segundo
County: Los Angeles
3,771
Crime per 100,000 population
+26.86%
vs. California average
+29.5%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Signal Hill from 2012 to 2022
Signal Hill is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 11,780.
The total crime rate in Signal Hill is based on the nearest law agency agency, Signal Hill Police Department (CA0196700).
Signal Hill total crime rate is 3,771 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Signal Hill
County: Los Angeles
3,771
Crime per 100,000 population
+26.86%
vs. California average
+29.5%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Long Beach from 2012 to 2022
Long Beach is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 466,565.
The total crime rate in Long Beach is based on the nearest law agency agency, Signal Hill Police Department (CA0196700).
Long Beach total crime rate is 3,771 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Long Beach
County: Butte
4,333
Crime per 100,000 population
+45.75%
vs. California average
+48.78%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Thermalito from 2012 to 2022
Thermalito is an area in Butte, California with population of 6,665.
The total crime rate in Thermalito is based on the nearest law agency agency, Oroville Police Department (CA0040400).
Thermalito total crime rate is 4,333 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Thermalito
County: Butte
4,333
Crime per 100,000 population
+45.75%
vs. California average
+48.78%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Palermo from 2012 to 2022
Palermo is an area in Butte, California with population of 5,387.
The total crime rate in Palermo is based on the nearest law agency agency, Oroville Police Department (CA0040400).
Palermo total crime rate is 4,333 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Palermo
County: Butte
4,333
Crime per 100,000 population
+45.75%
vs. California average
+48.78%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Oroville East from 2012 to 2022
Oroville East is an area in Butte, California with population of 7,701.
The total crime rate in Oroville East is based on the nearest law agency agency, Oroville Police Department (CA0040400).
Oroville East total crime rate is 4,333 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Oroville East
County: Butte
4,333
Crime per 100,000 population
+45.75%
vs. California average
+48.78%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Oroville from 2012 to 2022
Oroville is an area in Butte, California with population of 20,409.
The total crime rate in Oroville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Oroville Police Department (CA0040400).
Oroville total crime rate is 4,333 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Oroville
County: Tehama
5,301
Crime per 100,000 population
+78.32%
vs. California average
+82.03%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Red Bluff from 2012 to 2022
Red Bluff is an area in Tehama, California with population of 14,557.
The total crime rate in Red Bluff is based on the nearest law agency agency, Red Bluff Police Department (CA0520200).
Red Bluff total crime rate is 5,301 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Red Bluff
County: Santa Cruz
5,538
Crime per 100,000 population
+86.3%
vs. California average
+90.18%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Watsonville from 2012 to 2022
Watsonville is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 76,285.
The total crime rate in Watsonville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100).
Watsonville total crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Watsonville
County: Santa Cruz
5,538
Crime per 100,000 population
+86.3%
vs. California average
+90.18%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Soquel from 2012 to 2022
Soquel is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 10,806.
The total crime rate in Soquel is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100).
Soquel total crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Soquel
County: Santa Cruz
5,538
Crime per 100,000 population
+86.3%
vs. California average
+90.18%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Rio del Mar from 2012 to 2022
Rio del Mar is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 9,264.
The total crime rate in Rio del Mar is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100).
Rio del Mar total crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Rio del Mar
County: Santa Cruz
5,538
Crime per 100,000 population
+86.3%
vs. California average
+90.18%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Pleasure Point from 2012 to 2022
Pleasure Point is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 6,222.
The total crime rate in Pleasure Point is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100).
Pleasure Point total crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Pleasure Point
County: Santa Cruz
5,538
Crime per 100,000 population
+86.3%
vs. California average
+90.18%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Live Oak from 2012 to 2022
Live Oak is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 16,948.
The total crime rate in Live Oak is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100).
Live Oak total crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Live Oak
County: Santa Cruz
5,538
Crime per 100,000 population
+86.3%
vs. California average
+90.18%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Capitola from 2012 to 2022
Capitola is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 10,041.
The total crime rate in Capitola is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100).
Capitola total crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Capitola
County: Santa Cruz
5,538
Crime per 100,000 population
+86.3%
vs. California average
+90.18%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Aptos from 2012 to 2022
Aptos is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 6,372.
The total crime rate in Aptos is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100).
Aptos total crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Aptos
County: Los Angeles
10,502
Crime per 100,000 population
+253.26%
vs. California average
+260.61%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Vincent from 2012 to 2022
Vincent is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 16,399.
The total crime rate in Vincent is based on the nearest law agency agency, Irwindale Police Department (CA0193400).
Vincent total crime rate is 10,502 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Vincent
County: Contra Costa
14,258
Crime per 100,000 population
+379.6%
vs. California average
+389.58%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in San Ramon from 2012 to 2022
San Ramon is an area in Contra Costa, California with population of 85,688.
The total crime rate in San Ramon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emeryville Police Department (CA0010400).
San Ramon total crime rate is 14,258 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in San Ramon
County: Alameda
14,258
Crime per 100,000 population
+379.6%
vs. California average
+389.58%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Pleasanton from 2012 to 2022
Pleasanton is an area in Alameda, California with population of 79,558.
The total crime rate in Pleasanton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emeryville Police Department (CA0010400).
Pleasanton total crime rate is 14,258 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Pleasanton
County: Alameda
14,258
Crime per 100,000 population
+379.6%
vs. California average
+389.58%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Dublin from 2012 to 2022
Dublin is an area in Alameda, California with population of 69,818.
The total crime rate in Dublin is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emeryville Police Department (CA0010400).
Dublin total crime rate is 14,258 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Dublin
County: Monterey
17,172
Crime per 100,000 population
+477.6%
vs. California average
+489.63%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of total crime rate in Seaside from 2012 to 2022
Seaside is an area in Monterey, California with population of 116,189.
The total crime rate in Seaside is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sand City Police Department (CA0270900).
Seaside total crime rate is 17,172 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,973.05 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Seaside
Factors Influencing Crime Rates in California
Safety Tips for Total Crime in California
Explore More on Crime Rates in California
Interested in learning more about crime rates in California? Check out our comprehensive guide to crime rates in California for a detailed analysis of crime trends and statistics across the state. From the safest cities to the most dangerous communities, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of crime rates in California.
Explore More on Crime Rates in United States
Curious about crime rates in the United States? Explore our comprehensive guide to crime statistics and trends across the country. From the safest cities to the most concerning communities, this guide offers an in-depth analysis of crime rates throughout the United States.
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