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

Unmasking California's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in homicide 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 Apple Valley

County: San Bernardino

10.06

Crime per 100,000 population

+108.32%

vs. California average

+85.57%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Apple Valley is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 75,311. The homicide crime rate in Apple Valley is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100). Apple Valley homicide crime rate is 10.06 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Apple Valley

#24 Yreka

County: Siskiyou

10.46

Crime per 100,000 population

+116.61%

vs. California average

+92.95%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Yreka from 2012 to 2022

Yreka is an area in Siskiyou, California with population of 7,807. The homicide crime rate in Yreka is based on the nearest law agency agency, Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office (CA0470000). Yreka homicide crime rate is 10.46 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Yreka

#23 Pomona

County: Los Angeles

10.49

Crime per 100,000 population

+117.23%

vs. California average

+93.51%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Pomona from 2012 to 2022

Pomona is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 151,592. The homicide crime rate in Pomona is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pomona Police Department (CA0195500). Pomona homicide crime rate is 10.49 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Pomona

#22 Diamond Bar

County: Los Angeles

10.49

Crime per 100,000 population

+117.23%

vs. California average

+93.51%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Diamond Bar from 2012 to 2022

Diamond Bar is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 55,339. The homicide crime rate in Diamond Bar is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pomona Police Department (CA0195500). Diamond Bar homicide crime rate is 10.49 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Diamond Bar

#21 Potomac Park

County: Kern

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+136.9%

vs. California average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Potomac Park from 2012 to 2022

Potomac Park is an area in Kern, California with population of 10,517. The homicide crime rate in Potomac Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Potomac Park homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Potomac Park

#20 Oildale

County: Kern

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+136.9%

vs. California average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Oildale from 2012 to 2022

Oildale is an area in Kern, California with population of 34,350. The homicide crime rate in Oildale is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Oildale homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Oildale

#19 Lamont

County: Kern

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+136.9%

vs. California average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Lamont from 2012 to 2022

Lamont is an area in Kern, California with population of 14,269. The homicide crime rate in Lamont is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Lamont homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lamont

#18 Lakeside

County: San Diego

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+136.9%

vs. California average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Lakeside from 2012 to 2022

Lakeside is an area in San Diego, California with population of 21,383. The homicide crime rate in Lakeside is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Lakeside homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lakeside

#17 La Cresta

County: Kern

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+136.9%

vs. California average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in La Cresta from 2012 to 2022

La Cresta is an area in Kern, California with population of 8,726. The homicide crime rate in La Cresta is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). La Cresta homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in La Cresta

#16 Hillcrest

County: Kern

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+136.9%

vs. California average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Hillcrest from 2012 to 2022

Hillcrest is an area in Kern, California with population of 11,443. The homicide crime rate in Hillcrest is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Hillcrest homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hillcrest

#15 Fairfax

County: Marin

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+136.9%

vs. California average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Fairfax from 2012 to 2022

Fairfax is an area in Marin, California with population of 7,605. The homicide crime rate in Fairfax is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Fairfax homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fairfax

#14 East Niles

County: Kern

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+136.9%

vs. California average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in East Niles from 2012 to 2022

East Niles is an area in Kern, California with population of 29,110. The homicide crime rate in East Niles is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). East Niles homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in East Niles

#13 East Bakersfield

County: Kern

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+136.9%

vs. California average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in East Bakersfield from 2012 to 2022

East Bakersfield is an area in Kern, California with population of 11,025. The homicide crime rate in East Bakersfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). East Bakersfield homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in East Bakersfield

#12 Cottonwood

County: Shasta

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+136.9%

vs. California average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Cottonwood from 2012 to 2022

Cottonwood is an area in Shasta, California with population of 5,912. The homicide crime rate in Cottonwood is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Cottonwood homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cottonwood

#11 Benton Park

County: Kern

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+136.9%

vs. California average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Benton Park from 2012 to 2022

Benton Park is an area in Kern, California with population of 5,146. The homicide crime rate in Benton Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Benton Park homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Benton Park

#10 Bakersfield

County: Kern

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+136.9%

vs. California average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Bakersfield from 2012 to 2022

Bakersfield is an area in Kern, California with population of 590,845. The homicide crime rate in Bakersfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Bakersfield homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bakersfield

#9 King City

County: Monterey

11.75

Crime per 100,000 population

+143.32%

vs. California average

+116.75%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in King City from 2012 to 2022

King City is an area in Monterey, California with population of 13,419. The homicide crime rate in King City is based on the nearest law agency agency, King City Police Department (CA0270500). King City homicide crime rate is 11.75 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in King City

#8 Arvin

County: Kern

13.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+173.97%

vs. California average

+144.05%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Arvin from 2012 to 2022

Arvin is an area in Kern, California with population of 19,568. The homicide crime rate in Arvin is based on the nearest law agency agency, Arvin Police Department (CA0150100). Arvin homicide crime rate is 13.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Arvin

#7 Alta Sierra

County: Nevada

13.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+173.97%

vs. California average

+144.05%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Alta Sierra is an area in Nevada, California with population of 7,769. The homicide crime rate in Alta Sierra is based on the nearest law agency agency, Arvin Police Department (CA0150100). Alta Sierra homicide crime rate is 13.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Alta Sierra

#6 Vincent

County: Los Angeles

13.94

Crime per 100,000 population

+188.67%

vs. California average

+157.15%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Vincent from 2012 to 2022

Vincent is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 16,399. The homicide crime rate in Vincent is based on the nearest law agency agency, Irwindale Police Department (CA0193400). Vincent homicide crime rate is 13.94 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Vincent

#5 East Palo Alto

County: San Mateo

14.64

Crime per 100,000 population

+203.17%

vs. California average

+170.06%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in East Palo Alto from 2012 to 2022

East Palo Alto is an area in San Mateo, California with population of 29,888. The homicide crime rate in East Palo Alto is based on the nearest law agency agency, East Palo Alto Police Department (CA0412700). East Palo Alto homicide crime rate is 14.64 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in East Palo Alto

#4 Soledad

County: Monterey

16.8

Crime per 100,000 population

+247.9%

vs. California average

+209.91%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Soledad from 2012 to 2022

Soledad is an area in Monterey, California with population of 25,102. The homicide crime rate in Soledad is based on the nearest law agency agency, Greenfield Police Department (CA0270400). Soledad homicide crime rate is 16.8 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Soledad

#3 Greenfield

County: Monterey

16.8

Crime per 100,000 population

+247.9%

vs. California average

+209.91%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Greenfield from 2012 to 2022

Greenfield is an area in Monterey, California with population of 18,833. The homicide crime rate in Greenfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Greenfield Police Department (CA0270400). Greenfield homicide crime rate is 16.8 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Greenfield

#2 Gonzales

County: Monterey

16.8

Crime per 100,000 population

+247.9%

vs. California average

+209.91%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Gonzales from 2012 to 2022

Gonzales is an area in Monterey, California with population of 8,628. The homicide crime rate in Gonzales is based on the nearest law agency agency, Greenfield Police Department (CA0270400). Gonzales homicide crime rate is 16.8 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Gonzales

#1 Seaside

County: Monterey

88.15

Crime per 100,000 population

+1725.43%

vs. California average

+1526.08%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Seaside from 2012 to 2022

Seaside is an area in Monterey, California with population of 116,189. The homicide crime rate in Seaside is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sand City Police Department (CA0270900). Seaside homicide crime rate is 88.15 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 4.83 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Seaside

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in California

Safety Tips for Homicide 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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