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: Kern
767
Crime per 100,000 population
+74.63%
vs. California average
+89.17%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in East Bakersfield from 2012 to 2022
East Bakersfield is an area in Kern, California with population of 11,025.
The violent crime rate in East Bakersfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000).
East Bakersfield violent crime rate is 767 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in East Bakersfield
County: Shasta
767
Crime per 100,000 population
+74.63%
vs. California average
+89.17%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Cottonwood from 2012 to 2022
Cottonwood is an area in Shasta, California with population of 5,912.
The violent crime rate in Cottonwood is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000).
Cottonwood violent crime rate is 767 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Cottonwood
County: Kern
767
Crime per 100,000 population
+74.63%
vs. California average
+89.17%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Benton Park from 2012 to 2022
Benton Park is an area in Kern, California with population of 5,146.
The violent crime rate in Benton Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000).
Benton Park violent crime rate is 767 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Benton Park
County: Kern
767
Crime per 100,000 population
+74.63%
vs. California average
+89.17%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Bakersfield from 2012 to 2022
Bakersfield is an area in Kern, California with population of 590,845.
The violent crime rate in Bakersfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000).
Bakersfield violent crime rate is 767 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Bakersfield
County: Del Norte
803
Crime per 100,000 population
+82.7%
vs. California average
+97.91%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Crescent City from 2012 to 2022
Crescent City is an area in Del Norte, California with population of 6,686.
The violent crime rate in Crescent City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Crescent City Police Department (CA0080100).
Crescent City violent crime rate is 803 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Crescent City
County: Mendocino
827
Crime per 100,000 population
+88.26%
vs. California average
+103.94%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Willits from 2012 to 2022
Willits is an area in Mendocino, California with population of 5,008.
The violent crime rate in Willits is based on the nearest law agency agency, Willits Police Department (CA0230400).
Willits violent crime rate is 827 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Willits
County: Mendocino
827
Crime per 100,000 population
+88.26%
vs. California average
+103.94%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Ukiah from 2012 to 2022
Ukiah is an area in Mendocino, California with population of 16,728.
The violent crime rate in Ukiah is based on the nearest law agency agency, Willits Police Department (CA0230400).
Ukiah violent crime rate is 827 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Ukiah
County: Kern
854
Crime per 100,000 population
+94.29%
vs. California average
+110.46%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Arvin from 2012 to 2022
Arvin is an area in Kern, California with population of 19,568.
The violent crime rate in Arvin is based on the nearest law agency agency, Arvin Police Department (CA0150100).
Arvin violent crime rate is 854 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Arvin
County: Nevada
854
Crime per 100,000 population
+94.29%
vs. California average
+110.46%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Alta Sierra from 2012 to 2022
Alta Sierra is an area in Nevada, California with population of 7,769.
The violent crime rate in Alta Sierra is based on the nearest law agency agency, Arvin Police Department (CA0150100).
Alta Sierra violent crime rate is 854 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Alta Sierra
County: Stanislaus
856
Crime per 100,000 population
+94.87%
vs. California average
+111.1%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in West Modesto from 2012 to 2022
West Modesto is an area in Stanislaus, California with population of 5,882.
The violent crime rate in West Modesto is based on the nearest law agency agency, Modesto Police Department (CA0500200).
West Modesto violent crime rate is 856 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in West Modesto
County: Stanislaus
856
Crime per 100,000 population
+94.87%
vs. California average
+111.1%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Modesto from 2012 to 2022
Modesto is an area in Stanislaus, California with population of 382,994.
The violent crime rate in Modesto is based on the nearest law agency agency, Modesto Police Department (CA0500200).
Modesto violent crime rate is 856 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Modesto
County: Tehama
988
Crime per 100,000 population
+124.73%
vs. California average
+143.44%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Red Bluff from 2012 to 2022
Red Bluff is an area in Tehama, California with population of 14,557.
The violent crime rate in Red Bluff is based on the nearest law agency agency, Red Bluff Police Department (CA0520200).
Red Bluff violent crime rate is 988 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Red Bluff
County: Lassen
1,011
Crime per 100,000 population
+129.93%
vs. California average
+149.07%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Susanville from 2012 to 2022
Susanville is an area in Lassen, California with population of 16,305.
The violent crime rate in Susanville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Susanville Police Department (CA0180100).
Susanville violent crime rate is 1,011 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Susanville
County: Butte
1,068
Crime per 100,000 population
+142.9%
vs. California average
+163.13%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Gridley from 2012 to 2022
Gridley is an area in Butte, California with population of 7,510.
The violent crime rate in Gridley is based on the nearest law agency agency, Gridley Police Department (CA0040300).
Gridley violent crime rate is 1,068 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Gridley
County: San Bernardino
1,137
Crime per 100,000 population
+158.79%
vs. California average
+180.34%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Silver Lakes from 2012 to 2022
Silver Lakes is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 5,432.
The violent crime rate in Silver Lakes is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100).
Silver Lakes violent crime rate is 1,137 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Silver Lakes
County: San Bernardino
1,137
Crime per 100,000 population
+158.79%
vs. California average
+180.34%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Fort Irwin from 2012 to 2022
Fort Irwin is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 9,100.
The violent crime rate in Fort Irwin is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100).
Fort Irwin violent crime rate is 1,137 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Fort Irwin
County: San Bernardino
1,137
Crime per 100,000 population
+158.79%
vs. California average
+180.34%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Barstow from 2012 to 2022
Barstow is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 25,123.
The violent crime rate in Barstow is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100).
Barstow violent crime rate is 1,137 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Barstow
County: San Bernardino
1,137
Crime per 100,000 population
+158.79%
vs. California average
+180.34%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Apple Valley from 2012 to 2022
Apple Valley is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 75,311.
The violent crime rate in Apple Valley is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100).
Apple Valley violent crime rate is 1,137 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Apple Valley
County: Merced
1,167
Crime per 100,000 population
+165.57%
vs. California average
+187.67%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Dos Palos from 2012 to 2022
Dos Palos is an area in Merced, California with population of 5,651.
The violent crime rate in Dos Palos is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dos Palos Police Department (CA0240200).
Dos Palos violent crime rate is 1,167 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Dos Palos
County: Contra Costa
1,220
Crime per 100,000 population
+177.52%
vs. California average
+200.62%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in San Ramon from 2012 to 2022
San Ramon is an area in Contra Costa, California with population of 85,688.
The violent crime rate in San Ramon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emeryville Police Department (CA0010400).
San Ramon violent crime rate is 1,220 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in San Ramon
County: Alameda
1,220
Crime per 100,000 population
+177.52%
vs. California average
+200.62%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Pleasanton from 2012 to 2022
Pleasanton is an area in Alameda, California with population of 79,558.
The violent crime rate in Pleasanton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emeryville Police Department (CA0010400).
Pleasanton violent crime rate is 1,220 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Pleasanton
County: Alameda
1,220
Crime per 100,000 population
+177.52%
vs. California average
+200.62%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Dublin from 2012 to 2022
Dublin is an area in Alameda, California with population of 69,818.
The violent crime rate in Dublin is based on the nearest law agency agency, Emeryville Police Department (CA0010400).
Dublin violent crime rate is 1,220 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Dublin
County: Kern
1,241
Crime per 100,000 population
+182.37%
vs. California average
+205.88%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent 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 violent crime rate in Bear Valley Springs is based on the nearest law agency agency, Bear Valley Police Department (CA0151500).
Bear Valley Springs violent crime rate is 1,241 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Bear Valley Springs
County: Los Angeles
1,259
Crime per 100,000 population
+186.36%
vs. California average
+210.2%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Vincent from 2012 to 2022
Vincent is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 16,399.
The violent crime rate in Vincent is based on the nearest law agency agency, Irwindale Police Department (CA0193400).
Vincent violent crime rate is 1,259 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Vincent
County: Monterey
1,993
Crime per 100,000 population
+353.27%
vs. California average
+391.0%
vs. US average 🇺🇸
Chart of violent crime rate in Seaside from 2012 to 2022
Seaside is an area in Monterey, California with population of 116,189.
The violent crime rate in Seaside is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sand City Police Department (CA0270900).
Seaside violent crime rate is 1,993 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 439.73 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.
» Learn more about crime in Seaside
Factors Influencing Crime Rates in California
Safety Tips for Violent 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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