Dare to Know: 20 Most Dangerous Cities in California

California, the land of sunshine, beaches, and Hollywood glamour, also grapples with crime rates that vary dramatically across its diverse cities. While some areas boast idyllic safety, others face challenges.

This isn't about fear-mongering, but rather awareness. Knowing the statistics empowers you to make informed decisions about where you live, visit, or invest. So, here we unveil the 20 most dangerous cities in California according to violent crime rates per capita (2024 FBI data):

Understanding California Crime Trends

California ranks 17th nationally for violent crime rates, according to Get Safe & Sound. The state has a higher violent crime rate than the national average. Between 2021 and 2024, violent crimes increased by 6.1%, and property crime rose by 6.2%, according to data from ppic.org.

The most prevalent crimes in California include property-related offenses like burglary and larceny, with aggravated assaults and robberies also being significant concerns.

Ranked by Violent Crime Rate (per capita):

Stockton (1,397 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): This Central Valley city has grappled with gang violence and property crime for years.
Richmond (1,289 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Richmond has seen a rise in violent crime in recent years.
Oakland (1,234 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): Despite ongoing revitalization efforts, Oakland still struggles with violent crime, particularly property crime.
Bakersfield (1,182 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): This San Joaquin Valley city has experienced an increase in violent crime, including homicides.
Fresno (1,138 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): California's fifth-largest city faces challenges with gang violence and property crime.
San Bernardino (1,087 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): This Inland Empire city has seen a decrease in violent crime in recent years, but it remains a concern.
National City (1,052 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): Located in San Diego County, National City grapples with gang activity and property crime.
Barstow (1,034 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): A desert city along Interstate 15, Barstow has a higher crime rate than the national average.
Moreno Valley (1,021 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): This Riverside County city has seen a rise in violent crime in recent years.
Huntington Park (1,018 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): A city in Los Angeles County, Huntington Park faces challenges with gang violence and property crime.
Emeryville (1,012 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): This small city near Oakland has a surprisingly high violent crime rate, despite its industrial and commercial landscape.
Inglewood (987 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): Home to the new SoFi Stadium, Inglewood is undergoing revitalization, but crime remains a concern.
Antioch (978 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): Located in the East Bay Area, Antioch has seen an increase in violent crime in recent years.
Anaheim (962 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): The "Happiest Place on Earth" is surrounded by areas with higher crime rates.
Gardena (941 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): A city in Los Angeles County, Gardena faces challenges with gang violence and property crime.
Lancaster (938 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): Located in the Antelope Valley north of Los Angeles, Lancaster has seen a rise in violent crime.
Baldwin Park (927 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): A city in Los Angeles County, Baldwin Park grapples with gang violence and property crime.
Compton (919 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): Despite ongoing efforts at improvement, Compton continues to struggle with gang violence.
Hemet (912 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): This Riverside County city has seen a rise in violent crime in recent years.
Hawthorne (908 violent crimes per 100,000 residents): A city in Los Angeles County, Hawthorne grapples with gang violence and property crime.

Further Resources:

California Crime Rates and Statistics: https://www.ppic.org/video/crime-rates-in-california-the-impact-of-realignment/
10+ Shocking California Crime Statistics: Safety Trends (2024): https://getsafeandsound.com/blog/
Most Dangerous Cities in California Based on FBI Violent Crime Data: https://www.spolinlaw.com/about/

Crime by City: Key Insights

Stockton has the highest violent crime rate in California.
Emeryville leads in property crime, despite its small size.
Los Angeles and Modesto share the highest property damage claims in California, each accounting for 30% of reported incidents, while Bakersfield and Irvine also see significant shares with 20% each.

Beyond the Numbers: What to Consider

While violent crime rates are a significant indicator, a comprehensive safety assessment should consider other factors:

Property Crime Rates: Look at burglary, theft, and vandalism rates to get a fuller picture.
Neighborhood Specificity: Crime rates can vary within a city itself. Research specific neighborhoods you're interested in.
Crime Trends: Understanding if crime is rising or falling in an area can be crucial.

Safety Tips for California Residents:

1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Always be mindful of your surroundings when walking or driving, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas.
Avoid distractions like using your phone or wearing headphones, which can make you less aware of potential risks.

2. Trust Your Instincts

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. If you sense danger, try to remove yourself from the situation as calmly and quickly as possible.
Avoid confrontations, and don’t hesitate to seek help from local authorities if needed.

3. Stay in Well-Lit and Populated Areas

Stick to well-lit streets and busy areas, especially if walking at night.
If possible, travel with a companion, as there’s safety in numbers.

4. Secure Your Home

Install security systems: Consider a home security system like Kangaroo Home Security that offers motion detection, alarms, and video surveillance.
Lock doors and windows: Always lock doors and windows, even when you’re at home.
Use outdoor lighting: Motion-activated lights can deter criminals from approaching your home, particularly at night.

5. Vehicle Safety

Park in well-lit areas: Choose parking spots that are close to entrances or under streetlights to minimize the risk of vehicle break-ins.
Keep valuables out of sight: Do not leave valuables, such as electronics, wallets, or shopping bags, visible in your car. Store them in the trunk if necessary.
Always lock your car: Lock your doors and roll up windows when leaving your vehicle, even if it’s just for a short period.

6. Avoid Flashing Valuables

Keep expensive items, such as jewelry, watches, and smartphones, out of sight in public places.
Be mindful of the attention you may attract by displaying valuables, especially in high-crime areas.

7. Use Public Transportation Safely

Plan your route: Know where you're going before leaving home, and stick to familiar routes when possible.
Stay alert: When using public transportation, sit near the driver or other passengers, especially during off-hours.
Avoid empty train cars or buses: Stick to more crowded areas where others are present.

8. Protect Against Package Theft

Install a doorbell camera: Devices like the Kangaroo Video Doorbell can help deter "porch pirates" and notify you when packages are delivered.
Schedule deliveries: Have packages delivered when you’re home or to a trusted neighbor’s house if you won’t be available.
Use package lockers: Services like Amazon Lockers can help you securely receive packages, especially in areas with frequent package theft.

9. Limit Information on Social Media

Avoid posting real-time updates about your location or upcoming trips on social media, as this can alert potential criminals to an empty home.
Keep your home address and personal details private on public profiles.

10. Utilize Personal Safety Apps

Download a trusted personal safety app: Apps like Arlo Safe, TruAlert, and ADT SOSecure offer features like emergency alerts, location sharing with trusted contacts, and even professional monitoring services.
Familiarize yourself with the app's features: Know how to quickly activate an alarm or share your location in case of an emergency.
Customize settings to your needs: Set up trusted contacts, adjust alert preferences, and explore other features that can enhance your safety.

11. Know Your Neighbors

Build relationships with your neighbors so that you can look out for each other’s homes. This can create a sense of community and help reduce crime.
Consider joining a neighborhood watch group or similar safety initiative.

Smart Home Security Systems for Added Protection:

Technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing home security. Smart home security systems offer features like:

Remote Monitoring: Keep an eye on your property from anywhere with live video feeds and mobile app alerts.
Motion Sensors and Door/Window Sensors: Receive alerts if unauthorized entry is detected.
Smart Locks: Lock and unlock doors remotely for added convenience and security.
Smart Video Doorbells: See who's at your door before answering, deterring unwanted visitors.

Kangaroo Home Security: A User-Friendly Option

Explore Kangaroo Products

One popular option for Californians is Kangaroo Home Security. Kangaroo offers a variety of user-friendly security solutions, including:

Kangaroo Doorbell Camera: See, hear, and speak to visitors at your door in real-time with two-way talk functionality.
Kangaroo Indoor/Outdoor Cameras: Monitor activity inside and outside your home with wide-angle views and night vision.
Kangaroo Motion Detectors: Receive alerts if motion is detected when your system is armed.
Easy DIY Installation: No need for complex wiring or professional installation.

Kangaroo Internal Data

Kangaroo's data sheds light on where Package Theft and Property Crimes are most prevalent in California:

At Kangaroo, we're committed to making sure your packages are as safe as kangaroos' joeys in their pouches. That's why we've crunched the numbers to give you a sneak peek into the package theft landscape across California from 2020 to 2024.

Los Angeles, San Diego, Victorville, Sacramento, and San Francisco, we're looking at you. These cities are where the action is, and by action, we mean package theft claims. The numbers vary, but one thing's for sure: porch pirates are out there, and they're not just in the movies.

We've got the data, and we're here to help. Whether you're in the City of Angels or by the bay in San Francisco, it's time to hop to it and protect what's yours.

Our data reveals an interesting trend: Los Angeles and Modesto share the unfortunate distinction of having the highest percentage of property damage claims in California, each accounting for 30% of reported incidents. Bakersfield and Irvine also experience a significant share, with 20% each. This underscores the importance of securing your property, no matter where you live in the Golden State.

Safety Starts with Awareness

Knowledge is power. By familiarizing yourself with crime rates and safety resources, you can make informed decisions. Remember, many California cities offer vibrant communities with strong safety initiatives. Research is key!

Do you have any safety tips to share about living in California? Share them in the comments below!

Q&A: Safety in California

Your Question Answered!

Q: I'm moving to California. Are there some cities I should avoid due to high crime rates?

A: Absolutely! California has diverse cities with varying crime levels. It's wise to research before you settle down. Resources like the FBI's crime data or websites like SafeWise can provide valuable information on violent crime rates, property crime rates (like burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft), and overall crime statistics.

Q: So, which California cities have the highest crime rates?

A: Cities like Stockton, Richmond, Oakland, Bakersfield, and Fresno consistently rank high in violent crime rates. These areas often grapple with gang violence, gun violence, and homicides.

Q: Are there any safe cities in California?

A: Definitely! Many California cities boast low crime rates. Safewise publishes rankings of the safest cities, with Irvine, Elk Grove, and Murrieta often topping the list.

Q: I'm interested in a specific city, Emeryville. Is it safe?

A: Emeryville might surprise you. Although it's a small city, it has a surprisingly high violent crime rate. However, crime rates can vary within a city itself. Researching specific neighborhoods is crucial.

Q: What if I hear a lot about gang violence in a particular California city, like Compton or Huntington Park?

A: Gang violence is a concern in some California areas. If you're considering such a city, it's wise to research specific neighborhoods and talk to residents about their experiences.

Q: I'm worried about property crime. What cities should I avoid?

A: Many California cities struggle with property crimes like theft, larceny, and burglary. San Bernardino, Merced, Oakland, Vallejo, and Bakersfield often have high property crime rates.

Q: What can I do to stay safe in California?

A: Several strategies can help you stay safe:

Be aware of your surroundings: Trust your gut instinct and avoid situations that feel unsafe.
Increase visibility around your home: Keep walkways well-lit and trim bushes to minimize hiding places.
Invest in a security system: Smart home security systems with features like motion sensors and video cameras can deter crime.
Get to know your neighbors: Building a sense of community can deter crime.

The 20 Most Dangerous Cities in California for 2024