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

Unmasking California's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in property 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 San Francisco

County: San Francisco

5,341

Crime per 100,000 population

+110.85%

vs. California average

+113.11%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in San Francisco from 2012 to 2022

San Francisco is an area in San Francisco, California with population of 3,290,197. The property crime rate in San Francisco is based on the nearest law agency agency, San Francisco Police Department (CA0380100). San Francisco property crime rate is 5,341 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in San Francisco

#24 Watsonville

County: Santa Cruz

5,538

Crime per 100,000 population

+118.64%

vs. California average

+120.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Watsonville from 2012 to 2022

Watsonville is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 76,285. The property crime rate in Watsonville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100). Watsonville property crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Watsonville

#23 Soquel

County: Santa Cruz

5,538

Crime per 100,000 population

+118.64%

vs. California average

+120.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Soquel from 2012 to 2022

Soquel is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 10,806. The property crime rate in Soquel is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100). Soquel property crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Soquel

#22 Rio del Mar

County: Santa Cruz

5,538

Crime per 100,000 population

+118.64%

vs. California average

+120.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property 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 property crime rate in Rio del Mar is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100). Rio del Mar property crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Rio del Mar

#21 Pleasure Point

County: Santa Cruz

5,538

Crime per 100,000 population

+118.64%

vs. California average

+120.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Pleasure Point from 2012 to 2022

Pleasure Point is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 6,222. The property crime rate in Pleasure Point is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100). Pleasure Point property crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Pleasure Point

#20 Live Oak

County: Santa Cruz

5,538

Crime per 100,000 population

+118.64%

vs. California average

+120.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Live Oak from 2012 to 2022

Live Oak is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 16,948. The property crime rate in Live Oak is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100). Live Oak property crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Live Oak

#19 Capitola

County: Santa Cruz

5,538

Crime per 100,000 population

+118.64%

vs. California average

+120.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Capitola from 2012 to 2022

Capitola is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 10,041. The property crime rate in Capitola is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100). Capitola property crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Capitola

#18 Aptos

County: Santa Cruz

5,538

Crime per 100,000 population

+118.64%

vs. California average

+120.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Aptos from 2012 to 2022

Aptos is an area in Santa Cruz, California with population of 6,372. The property crime rate in Aptos is based on the nearest law agency agency, Capitola Police Department (CA0440100). Aptos property crime rate is 5,538 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Aptos

#17 Thermalito

County: Butte

5,660

Crime per 100,000 population

+123.44%

vs. California average

+125.83%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Thermalito from 2012 to 2022

Thermalito is an area in Butte, California with population of 6,665. The property crime rate in Thermalito is based on the nearest law agency agency, Oroville Police Department (CA0040400). Thermalito property crime rate is 5,660 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Thermalito

#16 Palermo

County: Butte

5,660

Crime per 100,000 population

+123.44%

vs. California average

+125.83%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Palermo from 2012 to 2022

Palermo is an area in Butte, California with population of 5,387. The property crime rate in Palermo is based on the nearest law agency agency, Oroville Police Department (CA0040400). Palermo property crime rate is 5,660 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Palermo

#15 Oroville East

County: Butte

5,660

Crime per 100,000 population

+123.44%

vs. California average

+125.83%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Oroville East from 2012 to 2022

Oroville East is an area in Butte, California with population of 7,701. The property crime rate in Oroville East is based on the nearest law agency agency, Oroville Police Department (CA0040400). Oroville East property crime rate is 5,660 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Oroville East

#14 Oroville

County: Butte

5,660

Crime per 100,000 population

+123.44%

vs. California average

+125.83%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Oroville from 2012 to 2022

Oroville is an area in Butte, California with population of 20,409. The property crime rate in Oroville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Oroville Police Department (CA0040400). Oroville property crime rate is 5,660 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Oroville

#13 Signal Hill

County: Los Angeles

5,912

Crime per 100,000 population

+133.38%

vs. California average

+135.87%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Signal Hill from 2012 to 2022

Signal Hill is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 11,780. The property crime rate in Signal Hill is based on the nearest law agency agency, Signal Hill Police Department (CA0196700). Signal Hill property crime rate is 5,912 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Signal Hill

#12 Long Beach

County: Los Angeles

5,912

Crime per 100,000 population

+133.38%

vs. California average

+135.87%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Long Beach from 2012 to 2022

Long Beach is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 466,565. The property crime rate in Long Beach is based on the nearest law agency agency, Signal Hill Police Department (CA0196700). Long Beach property crime rate is 5,912 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Long Beach

#11 Red Bluff

County: Tehama

5,965

Crime per 100,000 population

+135.46%

vs. California average

+137.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Red Bluff is an area in Tehama, California with population of 14,557. The property crime rate in Red Bluff is based on the nearest law agency agency, Red Bluff Police Department (CA0520200). Red Bluff property crime rate is 5,965 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Red Bluff

#10 Whittier

County: Los Angeles

6,371

Crime per 100,000 population

+151.53%

vs. California average

+154.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Whittier from 2012 to 2022

Whittier is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 87,184. The property crime rate in Whittier is based on the nearest law agency agency, Santa Fe Springs Police Department (CA0196400). Whittier property crime rate is 6,371 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Whittier

#9 West Whittier-Los Nietos

County: Los Angeles

6,371

Crime per 100,000 population

+151.53%

vs. California average

+154.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in West Whittier-Los Nietos from 2012 to 2022

West Whittier-Los Nietos is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 26,275. The property crime rate in West Whittier-Los Nietos is based on the nearest law agency agency, Santa Fe Springs Police Department (CA0196400). West Whittier-Los Nietos property crime rate is 6,371 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in West Whittier-Los Nietos

#8 South Whittier

County: Los Angeles

6,371

Crime per 100,000 population

+151.53%

vs. California average

+154.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in South Whittier from 2012 to 2022

South Whittier is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 58,800. The property crime rate in South Whittier is based on the nearest law agency agency, Santa Fe Springs Police Department (CA0196400). South Whittier property crime rate is 6,371 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in South Whittier

#7 Santa Fe Springs

County: Los Angeles

6,371

Crime per 100,000 population

+151.53%

vs. California average

+154.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Santa Fe Springs from 2012 to 2022

Santa Fe Springs is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 18,817. The property crime rate in Santa Fe Springs is based on the nearest law agency agency, Santa Fe Springs Police Department (CA0196400). Santa Fe Springs property crime rate is 6,371 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Santa Fe Springs

#6 Hacienda Heights

County: Los Angeles

6,371

Crime per 100,000 population

+151.53%

vs. California average

+154.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Hacienda Heights from 2012 to 2022

Hacienda Heights is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 54,841. The property crime rate in Hacienda Heights is based on the nearest law agency agency, Santa Fe Springs Police Department (CA0196400). Hacienda Heights property crime rate is 6,371 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hacienda Heights

#5 Vincent

County: Los Angeles

13,988

Crime per 100,000 population

+452.17%

vs. California average

+458.08%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Vincent from 2012 to 2022

Vincent is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 16,399. The property crime rate in Vincent is based on the nearest law agency agency, Irwindale Police Department (CA0193400). Vincent property crime rate is 13,988 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Vincent

#4 San Ramon

County: Contra Costa

15,771

Crime per 100,000 population

+522.58%

vs. California average

+529.24%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in San Ramon from 2012 to 2022

San Ramon is an area in Contra Costa, California with population of 85,688. The property crime rate in San Ramon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emeryville Police Department (CA0010400). San Ramon property crime rate is 15,771 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in San Ramon

#3 Pleasanton

County: Alameda

15,771

Crime per 100,000 population

+522.58%

vs. California average

+529.24%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Pleasanton from 2012 to 2022

Pleasanton is an area in Alameda, California with population of 79,558. The property crime rate in Pleasanton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emeryville Police Department (CA0010400). Pleasanton property crime rate is 15,771 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Pleasanton

#2 Dublin

County: Alameda

15,771

Crime per 100,000 population

+522.58%

vs. California average

+529.24%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Dublin from 2012 to 2022

Dublin is an area in Alameda, California with population of 69,818. The property crime rate in Dublin is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emeryville Police Department (CA0010400). Dublin property crime rate is 15,771 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Dublin

#1 Seaside

County: Monterey

29,546

Crime per 100,000 population

+1066.3%

vs. California average

+1078.79%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of property crime rate in Seaside from 2012 to 2022

Seaside is an area in Monterey, California with population of 116,189. The property crime rate in Seaside is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sand City Police Department (CA0270900). Seaside property crime rate is 29,546 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 2,533.32 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,506.49 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Seaside

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in California

Safety Tips for Property 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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