California's 25 Safest Cities in Violent Crime - Updated 2023

Safe Havens Unveiled: Exploring the 25 Safest Cities in California

Author: CrimeData.io Research Team

In a world where safety and security are paramount, finding the perfect place to call home becomes a top priority. Join us on a journey as we uncover the 25 safest cities across California. From tranquil suburbs to vibrant urban centers, these communities offer not only peace of mind but also a high quality of life.

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 Coronado

County: San Diego

80.06

Crime per 100,000 population

-81.79%

vs. California average

-80.28%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Coronado from 2012 to 2022

Coronado is an area in San Diego, California with population of 20,627. The violent crime rate in Coronado is based on the nearest law agency agency, Coronado Police Department (CA0370300). Coronado violent crime rate is 80.06 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 Coronado

#24 Salida

County: Stanislaus

77.05

Crime per 100,000 population

-82.48%

vs. California average

-81.02%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Salida from 2012 to 2022

Salida is an area in Stanislaus, California with population of 14,690. The violent crime rate in Salida is based on the nearest law agency agency, Ripon Police Department (CA0390400). Salida violent crime rate is 77.05 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 Salida

#23 Ripon

County: San Joaquin

77.05

Crime per 100,000 population

-82.48%

vs. California average

-81.02%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Ripon from 2012 to 2022

Ripon is an area in San Joaquin, California with population of 15,961. The violent crime rate in Ripon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Ripon Police Department (CA0390400). Ripon violent crime rate is 77.05 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 Ripon

#22 Morgan Hill

County: Santa Clara

70.67

Crime per 100,000 population

-83.93%

vs. California average

-82.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Morgan Hill from 2012 to 2022

Morgan Hill is an area in Santa Clara, California with population of 45,267. The violent crime rate in Morgan Hill is based on the nearest law agency agency, Los Gatos Police Department (CA0430700). Morgan Hill violent crime rate is 70.67 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 Morgan Hill

#21 Temecula

County: Riverside

67.9

Crime per 100,000 population

-84.56%

vs. California average

-83.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Temecula from 2012 to 2022

Temecula is an area in Riverside, California with population of 109,376. The violent crime rate in Temecula is based on the nearest law agency agency, Murrieta Police Department (CA0334200). Temecula violent crime rate is 67.9 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 Temecula

#20 Murrieta

County: Riverside

67.9

Crime per 100,000 population

-84.56%

vs. California average

-83.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Murrieta from 2012 to 2022

Murrieta is an area in Riverside, California with population of 509,526. The violent crime rate in Murrieta is based on the nearest law agency agency, Murrieta Police Department (CA0334200). Murrieta violent crime rate is 67.9 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 Murrieta

#19 French Valley

County: Riverside

67.9

Crime per 100,000 population

-84.56%

vs. California average

-83.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in French Valley from 2012 to 2022

French Valley is an area in Riverside, California with population of 40,188. The violent crime rate in French Valley is based on the nearest law agency agency, Murrieta Police Department (CA0334200). French Valley violent crime rate is 67.9 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 French Valley

#18 Tamalpais-Homestead Valley

County: Marin

67.6

Crime per 100,000 population

-84.63%

vs. California average

-83.35%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley from 2012 to 2022

Tamalpais-Homestead Valley is an area in Marin, California with population of 12,535. The violent crime rate in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mill Valley Police Department (CA0210500). Tamalpais-Homestead Valley violent crime rate is 67.6 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 Tamalpais-Homestead Valley

#17 Mill Valley

County: Marin

67.6

Crime per 100,000 population

-84.63%

vs. California average

-83.35%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Mill Valley from 2012 to 2022

Mill Valley is an area in Marin, California with population of 14,240. The violent crime rate in Mill Valley is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mill Valley Police Department (CA0210500). Mill Valley violent crime rate is 67.6 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 Mill Valley

#16 Larkspur

County: Marin

67.6

Crime per 100,000 population

-84.63%

vs. California average

-83.35%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Larkspur from 2012 to 2022

Larkspur is an area in Marin, California with population of 12,972. The violent crime rate in Larkspur is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mill Valley Police Department (CA0210500). Larkspur violent crime rate is 67.6 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 Larkspur

#15 Kentfield

County: Marin

67.6

Crime per 100,000 population

-84.63%

vs. California average

-83.35%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Kentfield from 2012 to 2022

Kentfield is an area in Marin, California with population of 7,517. The violent crime rate in Kentfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mill Valley Police Department (CA0210500). Kentfield violent crime rate is 67.6 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 Kentfield

#14 Corte Madera

County: Marin

67.6

Crime per 100,000 population

-84.63%

vs. California average

-83.35%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Corte Madera from 2012 to 2022

Corte Madera is an area in Marin, California with population of 10,145. The violent crime rate in Corte Madera is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mill Valley Police Department (CA0210500). Corte Madera violent crime rate is 67.6 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 Corte Madera

#13 Lincoln

County: Placer

63.17

Crime per 100,000 population

-85.63%

vs. California average

-84.44%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Lincoln from 2012 to 2022

Lincoln is an area in Placer, California with population of 49,203. The violent crime rate in Lincoln is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lincoln Police Department (CA0310300). Lincoln violent crime rate is 63.17 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 Lincoln

#12 Tiburon

County: Marin

47.88

Crime per 100,000 population

-89.11%

vs. California average

-88.21%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Tiburon from 2012 to 2022

Tiburon is an area in Marin, California with population of 9,146. The violent crime rate in Tiburon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Tiburon Police Department (CA0211100). Tiburon violent crime rate is 47.88 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 Tiburon

#11 Palo Alto

County: Santa Clara

47.61

Crime per 100,000 population

-89.17%

vs. California average

-88.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Palo Alto from 2012 to 2022

Palo Alto is an area in Santa Clara, California with population of 68,624. The violent crime rate in Palo Alto is based on the nearest law agency agency, Los Altos Police Department (CA0430500). Palo Alto violent crime rate is 47.61 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 Palo Alto

#10 Los Altos Hills

County: Santa Clara

47.61

Crime per 100,000 population

-89.17%

vs. California average

-88.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Los Altos Hills from 2012 to 2022

Los Altos Hills is an area in Santa Clara, California with population of 8,520. The violent crime rate in Los Altos Hills is based on the nearest law agency agency, Los Altos Police Department (CA0430500). Los Altos Hills violent crime rate is 47.61 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 Los Altos Hills

#9 Los Altos

County: Santa Clara

47.61

Crime per 100,000 population

-89.17%

vs. California average

-88.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Los Altos from 2012 to 2022

Los Altos is an area in Santa Clara, California with population of 31,562. The violent crime rate in Los Altos is based on the nearest law agency agency, Los Altos Police Department (CA0430500). Los Altos violent crime rate is 47.61 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 Los Altos

#8 Imperial

County: Imperial

42.64

Crime per 100,000 population

-90.3%

vs. California average

-89.5%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Imperial from 2012 to 2022

Imperial is an area in Imperial, California with population of 19,982. The violent crime rate in Imperial is based on the nearest law agency agency, Imperial Police Department (CA0130600). Imperial violent crime rate is 42.64 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 Imperial

#7 Hillsborough

County: San Mateo

39.96

Crime per 100,000 population

-90.91%

vs. California average

-90.16%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Hillsborough from 2012 to 2022

Hillsborough is an area in San Mateo, California with population of 11,390. The violent crime rate in Hillsborough is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hillsborough Police Department (CA0410800). Hillsborough violent crime rate is 39.96 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 Hillsborough

#6 Burlingame

County: San Mateo

39.96

Crime per 100,000 population

-90.91%

vs. California average

-90.16%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Burlingame from 2012 to 2022

Burlingame is an area in San Mateo, California with population of 31,142. The violent crime rate in Burlingame is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hillsborough Police Department (CA0410800). Burlingame violent crime rate is 39.96 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 Burlingame

#5 Pittsburg

County: Contra Costa

35.61

Crime per 100,000 population

-91.9%

vs. California average

-91.23%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Pittsburg from 2012 to 2022

Pittsburg is an area in Contra Costa, California with population of 75,701. The violent crime rate in Pittsburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Clayton Police Department (CA0070300). Pittsburg violent crime rate is 35.61 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 Pittsburg

#4 Clayton

County: Contra Costa

35.61

Crime per 100,000 population

-91.9%

vs. California average

-91.23%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Clayton from 2012 to 2022

Clayton is an area in Contra Costa, California with population of 11,136. The violent crime rate in Clayton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Clayton Police Department (CA0070300). Clayton violent crime rate is 35.61 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 Clayton

#3 Bay Point

County: Contra Costa

35.61

Crime per 100,000 population

-91.9%

vs. California average

-91.23%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Bay Point from 2012 to 2022

Bay Point is an area in Contra Costa, California with population of 24,999. The violent crime rate in Bay Point is based on the nearest law agency agency, Clayton Police Department (CA0070300). Bay Point violent crime rate is 35.61 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 Bay Point

#2 Saratoga

County: Santa Clara

33.73

Crime per 100,000 population

-92.33%

vs. California average

-91.69%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Saratoga from 2012 to 2022

Saratoga is an area in Santa Clara, California with population of 31,194. The violent crime rate in Saratoga is based on the nearest law agency agency, Monte Sereno Police Department (CA0430900). Saratoga violent crime rate is 33.73 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 Saratoga

#1 Los Gatos

County: Santa Clara

33.73

Crime per 100,000 population

-92.33%

vs. California average

-91.69%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Los Gatos from 2012 to 2022

Los Gatos is an area in Santa Clara, California with population of 33,309. The violent crime rate in Los Gatos is based on the nearest law agency agency, Monte Sereno Police Department (CA0430900). Los Gatos violent crime rate is 33.73 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 Los Gatos

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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