California is renowned for its stunning landscapes, sunny beaches, and thriving tech industry. It is the most popular state in the United States and offers a blend of rich culture, world-class entertainment, and a booming economy. While some of the cities in California are renowned for their safety and security, several others are considered the most dangerous and worst places to live in California. These cities face challenges of violent crimes, poverty, property crimes, and drug trafficking. 

Most Dangerous Cities in California

The following are the most dangerous cities in California; 

• Emeryville
• Oakland
• Commerce
• San Bernardino
• Stockton
• Compton 
• Vallejo
• Fresno
• Richmond
• Barstow
• Modesto
• Bakersfield

1) Emeryville

Emeryville is a city in the Alameda Country located between Oakland and Berkeley. It is a small city with a population of around 13,000 residents and reports a violent crime of 1,111 incidents out of 100,000 people, almost 122% above the state average. Residents of Emeryville have a 1 out of 90 chance of falling victim to a violent crime. The most frequently committed violent crimes in Emeryville include assault, rape, robbery and homicide.

Property crime particularly car break-ins and theft are also very high in the city. Several factors contribute to the elevated crime rate in the town such as the small size of the city, high population density, and economic disparities. The proximity of the city to the larger urban areas, and the presence of many retail outlets and shopping centers also make it an attraction for such activities, which leads it to become one of the most dangerous cities in California.

2) Oakland

Oakland is one of the largest cities located in the East Bay region of San Francisco. It has a population of approximately 440,000 residents and has a violent crime rate of around 1,547 incidents per 100,000 residents which is 244% above the national average. People living in Oakland have a 1 out of 66 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

Several social and economic factors such as the high poverty rate, and unemployment contribute to the violent crime rate in the city. Oakland has the highest murder rate in California which makes it one of the worst cities. The most frequently committed crimes in Oakland include burglary, assault, murder, vehicle theft, and property crimes. Gun violence and drug-related offenses are also very high in the city. 

3) Commerce

Commerce is a small city with a population of around 13,000 residents and is located in the southeastern side of the Greater Los Angeles area in the Los Angeles country. The city reports 1,553 violent crime incidents out of 100,000 residents which is around 211% above the average violent crime rate of California. Residents of Commerce have a 1 out of 7 chance of falling victim to a violent crime.

Higher rates of unemployment, poverty, and gang activity contribute to the elevated crime rates in the city. The city faces challenges and higher crime rates as it has limited residential areas and industrial nationalities which contribute to the economic challenges in the area. The violent crimes committed in the city include robbery, assault, rape and homicide. Local law enforcement and the community have been making efforts to work on initiatives to reduce the crime rates in the city.

4) San Bernardino

San Bernardino is known for its high crime rate and is located in the San Bernadino County of California. The violent crime rate reported in the city is 1.186 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is 137% more than the California average crime rate which means the residents of San Bernardino have a 1 out of 84 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

One of the most significant factors that contributes to the high crime rates in the city is the higher rate of poverty and unemployment. Moreover, gang activity and drug related offenses in the city are also high which also contributes to the violence in the area. Frequently committed crimes in the city include theft, assault, and property crimes. From 2017 to 2022 violent crimes such as robbery and murder have risen by 39%.

5) Stockton

Stockton is a city located on the San Joaquin River in the central valley of California. With a population of approximately 320,000 residents, Stockton reports a violent crime rate of almost 1,157 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is 1325 above the California average. Residents of Stockton have a 1 in 79 chance of falling victim to a violent crime.

The significant factors and challenges that contribute to the high crime in the city include drug trafficking, gang violence, and higher rates of unemployment. Assaults, homicides, rape, murders, burglaries, and auto theft are some of the most frequently committed crimes in the Stockton city. Property crimes such as motor vehicle thefts and larceny are also very high in the city, with more than 9,300 incidents reported in 2022.

6) Compton

Compton is a gateway city located in the southern part of Los Angeles County California. It has a population of around 98,000 residents and reports a violent crime rate of 1,141 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is around 279% above the national average. This means that the residents of Compton have roughly a 1 in 88 chance of falling victim to a violent crime.

Factors such as economic disparities, lack of education, social environment, urbanization, and lack of law enforcement contribute to high crime rates in Compton City. The most common crimes committed in the city include aggravated assaults, homicides, and robberies. Despite some of the successful efforts to reduce crime and violence in the city, Compton continues to be on the list of the most dangerous cities in California.  

7) Vallejo

Vallejo is another most dangerous cities to live in California. It is located in the San Francisco Bay of California and has a population of around 124,000 residents. Vallejo reports a violent crime rate of 966 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is almost 244% above the national average. The residents of Vallejo have a 1 of 100 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime every year. 

The most frequently committed violent crimes in the city include aggravated assault and robbery while property crime rates such as burglary, car break-ins, and theft are also very common. Residents also have a 1 out of 29 chance of falling victim to a property crime. Although the city has made some efforts to reduce crime, it is still one of the worst cities in California.

8) Fresno

Fresno is a major city located in the San Joaquin Valley of California and has a population of 545,716 residents. The reported violent crime in Fresno city is 865 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is more than the national crime rate average. The residents of the city have a 1 out of 23 chance of falling victim to a violent crime or a property crime.

The high poverty rate and increasing gang activity in the city contribute to the high crime rate, drug-related offenses, and violence. Gang violence and shootings are particularly common in the area. Other types of frequently committed crimes in Fresno include car break-ins, robbery, and property crimes.  

9) Richmond

Another city that has the highest crime rates in California is Richmond. Richmond is located in the San Francisco Bay area of California and has a population of 110,567 residents. As of 2023, the city reported a violent crime rate of 921 incidents out of 100,000 residents which was 233% above the national average.

Richmond is safer than Oakland which is its neighbor city, but it is still one of the most dangerous cities in California. The most common types of crimes committed in Richmond include property crimes and car break-ins.

10) Barstow

Barstow is located in the San Bernardino country of California and is home to around 25,000 residents. The violent crime rate in Barstow is 1088 incidents in 100,000 residents which is around 194% above that of the rest of California. Barstow is considered more dangerous than 96% of other cities in the United States. Residents of Barstow City have a 1 out of 91 chance of falling victim to a violent crime and a 1 out of 42 chance of being a victim of a property crime.

The most frequently committed violent crimes in Barstow are robberies, aggravated assaults, and murders. Other crimes such as larceny and car break-ins are also very common in the city. 

11) Modesto

Modesto is also among one of the most dangerous cities in California. It is the largest city located in Stanislaus County of California and has a population of approximately 219,000 residents. The city has a violent crime rate of 742 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is around 188% above that of the rest of California. Residents of the city have a 1 out of 120 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 23 chance of falling victim to a property crime.

The city is home to the newest state park in California “Dos Rios State Park”. The most frequently committed violent crimes in Modesto include assaults, drug related offenses, and theft. The property crime rate, gang violence, and drug trafficking in the city is also very high. The city is also known for having the highest rates of car robberies in the country.

12) Bakersfield

Bakersfield is located on the northern side of Los Angeles on the Kern River. With a population of approximately 405,000 residents, it reports a violent crime rate of 498 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is around 27% more than the national average. Residents of Bakersfield have a 1 out of 179 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and 1 in 24 chances of falling victim to a property crime.

The most commonly committed crimes in Bakersfield city are drug trafficking, murders, robberies, and aggravated assaults. The rate of homicides in the city is around 170% above the national average. Gang activity and property crimes including vehicle theft and larceny are also very common in Bakersfield.

Conclusion

California is widely celebrated for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and booming industries. However, like many other large states, California also faces its share of challenges including some of the urban areas that struggle with high crime rates. Several factors such as population growth, economic inequality, gang activity, lack of economic opportunity, and lack of law enforcement resources contribute to high crime rates in California. Many cities have been making efforts to reduce crime rates in the areas. Initiatives such as enhancing law enforcement play a vital role in addressing the safety challenges faced by the cities of California.

FAQs

Which Are the Safest Cities in California?

Irvine, Thousand Oaks, and Simi Valley are the cities that are on the list of the safest in California.

Which City Has the Lowest Crime Rate in California?

Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Aliso Viejo are the cities that have relatively lower crime rates than the other cities of California.

What Are the Most Common Violent Crimes in California?

Aggravated assault, robbery, murders, homicide, and rape are the most commonly committed violent crimes in California.

Which Factors Contribute to High Crime Rates in California?

Factors such as population growth, gang activity, economic inequality, lack of job opportunities, and law enforcement resources are responsible for high crime rates in California.