14 Most Dangerous Cities In California – Should You Avoid In 2023?
After peaking in the early 1990s, crime overall in California fell to a 50-year in 2014 and has stayed relatively stable since then, according to the FBI’s crime report. The types of crimes that are on the rise over the past couple of years, however, are homicides (up 41.2% in 2021) and aggravated assaults (up 18%).
On average, a crime occurs somewhere in California every 15 seconds. The most common crimes are:
- Theft
- Drug-relates crimes
- Vandalism
- Burglary
- Vehicle Theft
- Assault
So, where are the most dangerous cities in California? Here’s the top list according to populationu.com:
14. Santa Clara
Crime mapping shows that the region immediately west of the San Jose airport has the highest crime figures. There is a corridor along Highway 101 where criminal activity is reported; however, it is not uncommon for such incidents to occur in regions adjacent to freeways. Residents characterize the area as having occasional less than desirable sections, rather than being completely inconvenient neighborhoods.
For female solo travelers, it is advisable to avoid walking alone at night in Santa Clara. If the situation calls for it, prefer to walk in well-lit areas that are frequented by people.
When walking alone in Santa Clara, it is important to keep a constant eye on your surroundings. Keep a close eye on people and vehicles in your proximity and watch for unusual or questionable behavior.
13. Escondido
According to crime maps, the I-15 and Highway 78 corridors have the highest crime rates, which is typical of most mid-sized or large cities.
There are no particularly undesirable areas in the city, which is both a relief and perhaps deceiving.
Gangs and illegal drug activity are a given in any Southern California community. Escondido is not an exception.
The top three safety issues cited by respondents to the 2022 survey were: addressing the problem of homelessness, increasing police presence in the neighborhood, and removing graffiti.
Escondido’s natural wonders pose some dangers.
Never stray from the path, as you may encounter a rattlesnake or other wild animals in anger.
Avoid sites cordoned off due to wildfire damage, as you could be injured by fallen trees or interfere with burned land recovery.
12. West Covina
The west side of West Covina is one of the areas you are better off avoiding because the crime rate is higher here than in any other part of the city; the closer you are to Baldwin Park, the higher the rate gets.
Keep in mind, however, that a higher crime rate in a city with a low crime rate does not mean you should never drive through that area.
The only downside to West Covina is that aside from the parks and shopping, there is not much to do.
If you want to do something fascinating outside the city -even the residents get bored occasionally- you can drive through risky places.
Avoid driving through a city at night unless you are aware of its criminal activity.
11. El Monte
El Monte, California, describes itself as a welcoming city with a strong suburban vibe.
The city has a diverse ethnic population, with only 4% of its residents being Caucasians. Hispanics make up 66% of the population, and Asians make up 29%.
The highest crime rates may be found south of Garvey Avenue, according to crime maps. Probably best to stay away from that region.
There aren’t many tourist-friendly activities in El Monte. It was not intended to draw tourists. Its goal was to relocate ethnic families to the area.
Homicide statistics in this city indicate the presence of gangs; avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
10. Vista
Vista is a city in San Diego County, California, and like many other urban areas, it experiences some level of crime. According to recent crime data, Vista has a crime rate that is higher than the national average, with property crimes being more common than violent crimes. However, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary depending on many factors, including location, time of day, and other circumstances. Law enforcement agencies in Vista work to prevent and solve crimes, and the community also plays an important role in promoting safety and security.
9. San Diego
Violent crime, including homicide, aggravated assault, and robbery, has also decreased in recent years, although San Diego still experiences higher rates of violent crime than some other cities of comparable size. Property crime, including burglary and theft, also decreased in the past year, although motor vehicle theft has increased.
8. Oceanside
Oceanside, like many cities in California, experiences crime to varying degrees. According to recent data from the Oceanside Police Department, the city’s overall crime rate has been decreasing in recent years.
7. El Cajon
Like any city, El Cajon experiences crime and it;s considered one of the most dangerous cities in the California. In recent years, El Cajon has seen a decrease in overall crime rates, and while there is still some violent crime, the rates have also been decreasing.
6. Visalia
Visalia is a city located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, and like any urban area, it experiences crime.
According to the most recent data from the FBI, the city’s violent crime rate is below the national average, and the property crime rate is slightly higher than the national average.
The most commonly reported crimes in Visalia are theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. The city has a well-trained police force and a community that is actively involved in preventing and reporting crime.
5. Fresno
Fresno is a city located in California’s Central Valley. The city has a higher crime rate than the national average, with a particularly high rate of violent crime.
According to the most recent data from the FBI, the most commonly reported crimes in Fresno are property crimes, such as theft and burglary, as well as violent crimes like aggravated assault and robbery. The city has a large and well-equipped police force, but its high crime rate can present a challenge in terms of crime prevention and community safety. However, Fresno has taken steps to address crime through various community programs and initiatives aimed at reducing gang violence and improving neighborhood safety.
4. Santa Maria
Property crimes such as theft and burglary are the most commonly reported crimes in Santa Maria, but the city also experiences a significant amount of violent crime.
3. Modesto
Modesto is to the north of Merced and has its own crime concerns. Crime here is 37% above the national average and has one of the largest numbers of vehicle thefts in the state. More than 23,000 cars are stolen each year.
2. Anaheim
Anaheim is a city located in Southern California and it’s ranked as dangerous city in California with property crimes such as theft and burglary being the most commonly reported offenses. Anaheim also experiences a significant amount of violent crime, particularly aggravated assaults and robberies.
1. Stockton
Stockton has been ranked as the most dangerous cities in California in past few years. It has been through some rough economic times with violent crime rates are 8.86 per 1,000 residents. Property crimes are among the most highly reported crimes.
Full list of crime rates of TOP 10 most dangerous cities in California (Source: populationu.com)
Other dangerous cities in California
Red Bluff
Red Bluff is a smaller community in northern California, located between Chico and Redding. The town has a population of about 14,200, yet reports 6,427 crimes per 100,000 residents. According to the FBI statistics, there is a 1 in 87 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime for those living in Red Bluff.
Merced
Merced is another Central Valley city with a high crime rate. Murders have been on the rise over the past three years, doubling from 2019 to 2020 and continuing at that rate. The crime rate in Merced is 599 per 1,000 people.
Richmond
Located to the east of San Francisco, Richmond has a crime rate that is 82% above the national average.
San Bernadino
San Bernadino comes in at number five on the list but has the distinction of being a city with one of the highest murder rates in the country. Murders and robberies have risen nearly 40% over the past five years. Aggravated assaults are up 145%.
Bakersfield
With a population topping 400,000, Bakersfield’s crime rate is nearly twice the national average. While the homicide rate has dropped over the past two years, gang activity has increased. Still, Bakersfield and surrounding Kern County have more homicides than almost anywhere else per capita. With a violent crime rate of 48 per one thousand residents, the odds of becoming a victim of violent or property crime is about one in 21.
Oakland
Oakland rates 1,274 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 235 times the national average. Gun violence and gang activity are at the center of many crimes. The 8th largest city in California, Oakland has seen a decrease in crime over the past decade but still ranks as the second most dangerous city in California.
Emeryville
Emeryville tops the list of most dangerous cities in California. The city has about 12,000 residents and a crime rate of more than 18,000 per 100,000 people. With the highest violent crime rate in the state, it ranks 272% higher than the national average. However, there have been no murders reported in the past two years.
Safest Cities in California
What cities are safest in California? Six cities made the top 50 list of safest cities in America:
- Fremont (#17)
- Irvine (#26)
- Chula Vista (#38)
- Santa Rosa (#39)
- Glendale (#40)
- San Diego (#48)
While some larger cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles didn’t make either list, that doesn’t mean they are considered to be safe. Homicides in Los Angeles are up sharply in the past three years to the highest level since 2010. While violent crime is 40% above the national average in San Francisco, it’s less violent than many other major cities in the U.S. Like most major metro areas, some pockets are dangerous while other areas tend to have lower crime rates.
