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

Unmasking California's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in arson 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 Potomac Park

County: Kern

85.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+293.25%

vs. California average

+494.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Potomac Park is an area in Kern, California with population of 10,517. The arson crime rate in Potomac Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Potomac Park arson crime rate is 85.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Potomac Park

#24 Oildale

County: Kern

85.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+293.25%

vs. California average

+494.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Oildale from 2012 to 2022

Oildale is an area in Kern, California with population of 34,350. The arson crime rate in Oildale is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Oildale arson crime rate is 85.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Oildale

#23 Lamont

County: Kern

85.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+293.25%

vs. California average

+494.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Lamont from 2012 to 2022

Lamont is an area in Kern, California with population of 14,269. The arson crime rate in Lamont is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Lamont arson crime rate is 85.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lamont

#22 Lakeside

County: San Diego

85.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+293.25%

vs. California average

+494.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Lakeside from 2012 to 2022

Lakeside is an area in San Diego, California with population of 21,383. The arson crime rate in Lakeside is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Lakeside arson crime rate is 85.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lakeside

#21 La Cresta

County: Kern

85.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+293.25%

vs. California average

+494.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

La Cresta is an area in Kern, California with population of 8,726. The arson crime rate in La Cresta is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). La Cresta arson crime rate is 85.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in La Cresta

#20 Hillcrest

County: Kern

85.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+293.25%

vs. California average

+494.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Hillcrest from 2012 to 2022

Hillcrest is an area in Kern, California with population of 11,443. The arson crime rate in Hillcrest is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Hillcrest arson crime rate is 85.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hillcrest

#19 Fairfax

County: Marin

85.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+293.25%

vs. California average

+494.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Fairfax from 2012 to 2022

Fairfax is an area in Marin, California with population of 7,605. The arson crime rate in Fairfax is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Fairfax arson crime rate is 85.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fairfax

#18 East Niles

County: Kern

85.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+293.25%

vs. California average

+494.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

East Niles is an area in Kern, California with population of 29,110. The arson crime rate in East Niles is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). East Niles arson crime rate is 85.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in East Niles

#17 East Bakersfield

County: Kern

85.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+293.25%

vs. California average

+494.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

East Bakersfield is an area in Kern, California with population of 11,025. The arson crime rate in East Bakersfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). East Bakersfield arson crime rate is 85.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in East Bakersfield

#16 Cottonwood

County: Shasta

85.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+293.25%

vs. California average

+494.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Cottonwood from 2012 to 2022

Cottonwood is an area in Shasta, California with population of 5,912. The arson crime rate in Cottonwood is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Cottonwood arson crime rate is 85.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cottonwood

#15 Benton Park

County: Kern

85.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+293.25%

vs. California average

+494.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Benton Park is an area in Kern, California with population of 5,146. The arson crime rate in Benton Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Benton Park arson crime rate is 85.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Benton Park

#14 Bakersfield

County: Kern

85.23

Crime per 100,000 population

+293.25%

vs. California average

+494.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Bakersfield from 2012 to 2022

Bakersfield is an area in Kern, California with population of 590,845. The arson crime rate in Bakersfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kern County Sheriff's Office (CA0150000). Bakersfield arson crime rate is 85.23 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bakersfield

#13 Silver Lakes

County: San Bernardino

86.08

Crime per 100,000 population

+297.18%

vs. California average

+500.87%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Silver Lakes is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 5,432. The arson crime rate in Silver Lakes is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100). Silver Lakes arson crime rate is 86.08 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Silver Lakes

#12 Fort Irwin

County: San Bernardino

86.08

Crime per 100,000 population

+297.18%

vs. California average

+500.87%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Fort Irwin is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 9,100. The arson crime rate in Fort Irwin is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100). Fort Irwin arson crime rate is 86.08 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fort Irwin

#11 Barstow

County: San Bernardino

86.08

Crime per 100,000 population

+297.18%

vs. California average

+500.87%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Barstow from 2012 to 2022

Barstow is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 25,123. The arson crime rate in Barstow is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100). Barstow arson crime rate is 86.08 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Barstow

#10 Apple Valley

County: San Bernardino

86.08

Crime per 100,000 population

+297.18%

vs. California average

+500.87%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Apple Valley is an area in San Bernardino, California with population of 75,311. The arson crime rate in Apple Valley is based on the nearest law agency agency, Barstow Police Department (CA0360100). Apple Valley arson crime rate is 86.08 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Apple Valley

#9 Red Bluff

County: Tehama

88.2

Crime per 100,000 population

+306.96%

vs. California average

+515.66%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Red Bluff is an area in Tehama, California with population of 14,557. The arson crime rate in Red Bluff is based on the nearest law agency agency, Red Bluff Police Department (CA0520200). Red Bluff arson crime rate is 88.2 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Red Bluff

#8 Merced

County: Merced

95.36

Crime per 100,000 population

+339.99%

vs. California average

+565.64%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Merced from 2012 to 2022

Merced is an area in Merced, California with population of 157,617. The arson crime rate in Merced is based on the nearest law agency agency, Merced Police Department (CA0240600). Merced arson crime rate is 95.36 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Merced

#7 Durham

County: Butte

109

Crime per 100,000 population

+405.38%

vs. California average

+664.55%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Durham from 2012 to 2022

Durham is an area in Butte, California with population of 5,989. The arson crime rate in Durham is based on the nearest law agency agency, Chico Police Department (CA0040200). Durham arson crime rate is 109 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Durham

#6 Chico

County: Butte

109

Crime per 100,000 population

+405.38%

vs. California average

+664.55%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Chico from 2012 to 2022

Chico is an area in Butte, California with population of 112,132. The arson crime rate in Chico is based on the nearest law agency agency, Chico Police Department (CA0040200). Chico arson crime rate is 109 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chico

#5 McFarland

County: Kern

113

Crime per 100,000 population

+424.75%

vs. California average

+693.87%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in McFarland from 2012 to 2022

McFarland is an area in Kern, California with population of 14,085. The arson crime rate in McFarland is based on the nearest law agency agency, McFarland Police Department (CA0150500). McFarland arson crime rate is 113 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in McFarland

#4 Earlimart

County: Tulare

113

Crime per 100,000 population

+424.75%

vs. California average

+693.87%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Earlimart from 2012 to 2022

Earlimart is an area in Tulare, California with population of 7,896. The arson crime rate in Earlimart is based on the nearest law agency agency, McFarland Police Department (CA0150500). Earlimart arson crime rate is 113 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Earlimart

#3 Delano

County: Kern

113

Crime per 100,000 population

+424.75%

vs. California average

+693.87%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Delano from 2012 to 2022

Delano is an area in Kern, California with population of 52,206. The arson crime rate in Delano is based on the nearest law agency agency, McFarland Police Department (CA0150500). Delano arson crime rate is 113 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Delano

#2 Vincent

County: Los Angeles

124

Crime per 100,000 population

+474.59%

vs. California average

+769.26%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Vincent from 2012 to 2022

Vincent is an area in Los Angeles, California with population of 16,399. The arson crime rate in Vincent is based on the nearest law agency agency, Irwindale Police Department (CA0193400). Vincent arson crime rate is 124 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Vincent

#1 Blythe

County: Riverside

140

Crime per 100,000 population

+546.7%

vs. California average

+878.36%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of arson crime rate in Blythe from 2012 to 2022

Blythe is an area in Riverside, California with population of 18,125. The arson crime rate in Blythe is based on the nearest law agency agency, Blythe Police Department (CA0330300). Blythe arson crime rate is 140 per 100,000 population, compared to California average of 21.67 per 100,000 population and United States average of 14.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Blythe

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in California

Safety Tips for Arson 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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