California's 25 Most Dangerous Cities in Assault Crime - Updated 2023

Unmasking California's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in assault crime

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.

#25 Taft

County: Kern

585

Crime per 100,000 population

+120.95%

vs. California average

+124.33%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Taft from 2012 to 2022

Taft is an area in Kern, California with population of 8,730. The assault crime rate in Taft is based on the nearest law agency agency, Taft Police Department (CA0150800). Taft assault crime rate is 585 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Taft

#24 Selma

County: Fresno

603

Crime per 100,000 population

+127.61%

vs. California average

+131.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Selma from 2012 to 2022

Selma is an area in Fresno, California with population of 24,545. The assault crime rate in Selma is based on the nearest law agency agency, Selma Police Department (CA0101500). Selma assault crime rate is 603 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Selma

#23 Parlier

County: Fresno

603

Crime per 100,000 population

+127.61%

vs. California average

+131.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Parlier from 2012 to 2022

Parlier is an area in Fresno, California with population of 14,666. The assault crime rate in Parlier is based on the nearest law agency agency, Selma Police Department (CA0101500). Parlier assault crime rate is 603 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Parlier

#22 Kingsburg

County: Fresno

603

Crime per 100,000 population

+127.61%

vs. California average

+131.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Kingsburg from 2012 to 2022

Kingsburg is an area in Fresno, California with population of 12,413. The assault crime rate in Kingsburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Selma Police Department (CA0101500). Kingsburg assault crime rate is 603 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Kingsburg

#21 West Modesto

County: Stanislaus

609

Crime per 100,000 population

+129.79%

vs. California average

+133.3%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in West Modesto from 2012 to 2022

West Modesto is an area in Stanislaus, California with population of 5,882. The assault crime rate in West Modesto is based on the nearest law agency agency, Modesto Police Department (CA0500200). West Modesto assault crime rate is 609 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in West Modesto

#20 Modesto

County: Stanislaus

609

Crime per 100,000 population

+129.79%

vs. California average

+133.3%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Modesto from 2012 to 2022

Modesto is an area in Stanislaus, California with population of 382,994. The assault crime rate in Modesto is based on the nearest law agency agency, Modesto Police Department (CA0500200). Modesto assault crime rate is 609 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Modesto

#19 Orosi

County: Tulare

620

Crime per 100,000 population

+134.17%

vs. California average

+137.75%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Orosi from 2012 to 2022

Orosi is an area in Tulare, California with population of 8,701. The assault crime rate in Orosi is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dinuba Police Department (CA0540100). Orosi assault crime rate is 620 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Orosi

#18 Orange Cove

County: Fresno

620

Crime per 100,000 population

+134.17%

vs. California average

+137.75%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Orange Cove from 2012 to 2022

Orange Cove is an area in Fresno, California with population of 9,680. The assault crime rate in Orange Cove is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dinuba Police Department (CA0540100). Orange Cove assault crime rate is 620 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Orange Cove

#17 Dinuba

County: Tulare

620

Crime per 100,000 population

+134.17%

vs. California average

+137.75%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Dinuba from 2012 to 2022

Dinuba is an area in Tulare, California with population of 24,383. The assault crime rate in Dinuba is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dinuba Police Department (CA0540100). Dinuba assault crime rate is 620 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Dinuba

#16 Cutler

County: Tulare

620

Crime per 100,000 population

+134.17%

vs. California average

+137.75%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Cutler from 2012 to 2022

Cutler is an area in Tulare, California with population of 5,172. The assault crime rate in Cutler is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dinuba Police Department (CA0540100). Cutler assault crime rate is 620 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cutler

#15 Red Bluff

County: Tehama

666

Crime per 100,000 population

+151.3%

vs. California average

+155.14%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Red Bluff from 2012 to 2022

Red Bluff is an area in Tehama, California with population of 14,557. The assault crime rate in Red Bluff is based on the nearest law agency agency, Red Bluff Police Department (CA0520200). Red Bluff assault crime rate is 666 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Red Bluff

#14 Willits

County: Mendocino

688

Crime per 100,000 population

+159.68%

vs. California average

+163.65%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Willits from 2012 to 2022

Willits is an area in Mendocino, California with population of 5,008. The assault crime rate in Willits is based on the nearest law agency agency, Willits Police Department (CA0230400). Willits assault crime rate is 688 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Willits

#13 Ukiah

County: Mendocino

688

Crime per 100,000 population

+159.68%

vs. California average

+163.65%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Ukiah from 2012 to 2022

Ukiah is an area in Mendocino, California with population of 16,728. The assault crime rate in Ukiah is based on the nearest law agency agency, Willits Police Department (CA0230400). Ukiah assault crime rate is 688 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Ukiah

#12 Arvin

County: Kern

732

Crime per 100,000 population

+176.44%

vs. California average

+180.67%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Arvin from 2012 to 2022

Arvin is an area in Kern, California with population of 19,568. The assault crime rate in Arvin is based on the nearest law agency agency, Arvin Police Department (CA0150100). Arvin assault crime rate is 732 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Arvin

#11 Alta Sierra

County: Nevada

732

Crime per 100,000 population

+176.44%

vs. California average

+180.67%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Alta Sierra from 2012 to 2022

Alta Sierra is an area in Nevada, California with population of 7,769. The assault crime rate in Alta Sierra is based on the nearest law agency agency, Arvin Police Department (CA0150100). Alta Sierra assault crime rate is 732 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Alta Sierra

#10 Silver Lakes

County: San Bernardino

762

Crime per 100,000 population

+187.55%

vs. California average

+191.94%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Silver Lakes from 2012 to 2022

Silver Lakes is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 5,432. The assault crime rate in Silver Lakes is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100). Silver Lakes assault crime rate is 762 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Silver Lakes

#9 Fort Irwin

County: San Bernardino

762

Crime per 100,000 population

+187.55%

vs. California average

+191.94%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Fort Irwin from 2012 to 2022

Fort Irwin is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 9,100. The assault crime rate in Fort Irwin is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100). Fort Irwin assault crime rate is 762 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fort Irwin

#8 Barstow

County: San Bernardino

762

Crime per 100,000 population

+187.55%

vs. California average

+191.94%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Barstow from 2012 to 2022

Barstow is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 25,123. The assault crime rate in Barstow is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100). Barstow assault crime rate is 762 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Barstow

#7 Apple Valley

County: San Bernardino

762

Crime per 100,000 population

+187.55%

vs. California average

+191.94%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Apple Valley from 2012 to 2022

Apple Valley is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 75,311. The assault crime rate in Apple Valley is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100). Apple Valley assault crime rate is 762 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Apple Valley

#6 Vincent

County: Los Angeles

816

Crime per 100,000 population

+207.99%

vs. California average

+212.7%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Vincent from 2012 to 2022

Vincent is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 16,399. The assault crime rate in Vincent is based on the nearest law agency agency, Irwindale Police Department (CA0193400). Vincent assault crime rate is 816 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Vincent

#5 Susanville

County: Lassen

909

Crime per 100,000 population

+243.21%

vs. California average

+248.46%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Susanville from 2012 to 2022

Susanville is an area in Lassen, California with population of 16,305. The assault crime rate in Susanville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Susanville Police Department (CA0180100). Susanville assault crime rate is 909 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Susanville

#4 Gridley

County: Butte

958

Crime per 100,000 population

+261.5%

vs. California average

+267.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Gridley from 2012 to 2022

Gridley is an area in Butte, California with population of 7,510. The assault crime rate in Gridley is based on the nearest law agency agency, Gridley Police Department (CA0040300). Gridley assault crime rate is 958 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Gridley

#3 Dos Palos

County: Merced

1,014

Crime per 100,000 population

+282.56%

vs. California average

+288.41%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Dos Palos from 2012 to 2022

Dos Palos is an area in Merced, California with population of 5,651. The assault crime rate in Dos Palos is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dos Palos Police Department (CA0240200). Dos Palos assault crime rate is 1,014 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Dos Palos

#2 Seaside

County: Monterey

1,030

Crime per 100,000 population

+288.78%

vs. California average

+294.73%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Seaside from 2012 to 2022

Seaside is an area in Monterey, California with population of 116,189. The assault crime rate in Seaside is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sand City Police Department (CA0270900). Seaside assault crime rate is 1,030 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Seaside

#1 Bear Valley Springs

County: Kern

1,047

Crime per 100,000 population

+294.95%

vs. California average

+300.99%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of assault crime rate in Bear Valley Springs from 2012 to 2022

Bear Valley Springs is an area in Kern, California with population of 5,067. The assault crime rate in Bear Valley Springs is based on the nearest law agency agency, Bear Valley Police Department (CA0151500). Bear Valley Springs assault crime rate is 1,047 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 265.12 per 100,000 population and United States average of 261.13 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bear Valley Springs

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in California

Safety Tips for Assault 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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