California is known for its breathtaking coastline, world-famous cities, diverse culture, and iconic attractions. From the innovation hubs of Silicon Valley to the entertainment capital of Los Angeles, the Golden State attracts millions of residents and visitors every year.
The state is also home to some of America’s most spectacular natural wonders, including Yosemite National Park, towering redwood forests, and scenic Pacific Ocean views. However, alongside these attractions, some California communities continue to face significant public safety challenges.
Quick Guide
- State: California
- Ranking Basis: Violent crimes per 100,000 residents
- Includes: Assault, robbery, rape, and homicide
- Highest-Ranked City: Oakland
- Safest Approach: Research neighborhoods and local crime trends before visiting or relocating
- Important Note: Crime rates can vary significantly between neighborhoods within the same city
- Source: Areavibes
Recent crime statistics reveal that certain cities experience violent crime rates well above the state average. While crime does not define an entire community, understanding these trends can help residents, travelers, and prospective movers make informed decisions.
10. Eureka
- Population: 27,853
- 1,016 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.78
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 98
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,187
Rounding out our list at #10 is Eureka, CA. With a population of 27,853 and a violent crime rate of 1,016 per 100,000 people (109% higher than the California average), some parts of Eureka are incredible unsafe.
The violent crime rate consists of 671 counts of assault, 228 counts of robbery, 118 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. Residents can expect to have a 1 in 98 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
9. Barstow
- Population: 24,173
- 1,108 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.04
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 90
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,747
Economic conditions, education, social environment, law enforcement and urbanization can all have an impact on crime rates. Feeling the effects of most of those issues, Barstow, CA comes in as the 9th most dangerous city in California with a violent crime rate of 1,108 per 100,000 people.
If we break that down, the city sees 3.04 violent crimes per day and residents have a 1 in 90 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
8. Stockton
- Population: 318,307
- 1,146 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.14
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 87
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,785
Stockton, CA is another one of the most dangerous cities in California and tops the list at #8. The city has a population of 318,307 and a violent crime rate of 1,146 per 100,000 people.
Of those crimes, there were 753 counts of assault, 336 counts of robbery, 40 counts of rape and 16 counts of homicide. All told, the Stockton violent crime rate is 136% higher than the California average.
7. Lakeport
- Population: 5,117
- 1,180 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.23
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 85
- Total Crimes / 100k: 2,998
A 1 in 85 chance of becoming a victim of crime and 3.23 violent crimes per day – those are some fairly good reasons why Lakeport makes the list at #7. According to the most recent annual crime report, there were 1,180 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which translates to a violent crime rate that is 143% higher than the California average.
The number of violent crimes takes into account the following categories: assault (1,025), robbery (58), rape (97) and homicide (0).
6. Emeryville
- Population: 12,131
- 1,231 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.37
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 81
- Total Crimes / 100k: 14,719
Emeryville, CA comes in at number 6 on our list, with a violent crime rate of 1,231 per 100,000 people, which is 153% higher than the California average. Emeryville has a population of 12,131, which translates to 3.37 crimes per day and 1 in 81 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
As with most cities, a high violent crime rate does not mean that all areas are unsafe, as there are definitely some areas in Emeryville which are much safer than others.
5. Compton
- Population: 98,731
- 1,272 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.48
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 79
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,417
The ongoing battle with crime in Compton, CA, is not a new issue – which is why there’s no surprise that this city has made the list. With a violent crime rate of 1,272 and a 1 in 79 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (per 100,000 people), Compton has a violent crime rate that is 162% higher than the California average.
Higher than average poverty and unemployment rates as well as a lack of available well-paying jobs, are most likely all contributing to the high rate of violent crime in Compton.
4. Red Bluff
- Population: 14,432
- 1,277 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.50
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 78
- Total Crimes / 100k: 5,527
With a violent crime rate that is 163% higher than the California average, it’s not hard to see why Red Bluff made the list. The city reported crime (per 100,000 residents) in the following categories: robbery (230), assault (837), rape (202) and homicide (7).
In regions where employment opportunities are scarce or where many jobs offer insufficient wages, the risk of increased unemployment and homelessness rises, this could be just some of the triggers that make Red Bluff more vulnerable to high crime.
3. Crescent City
- Population: 6,919
- 1,386 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.80
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 72
- Total Crimes / 100k: 7,848
Home to 6,919 residents, Crescent City, CA ranks #3 on the list of most dangerous cities in California. Unfortunately for residents of Crescent City, crime is widespread, with more than 1,386 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported last year.
When the numbers are analyzed, this translates to a staggering 3.80 crimes per day and a violent crime rate that is 185% higher than the California violent crime rate.
2. Commerce
- Population: 13,066
- 1,448 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.97
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 69
- Total Crimes / 100k: 13,808
The second most dangerous city is Commerce. With a population of 13,066 and a violent crime rate that is 198% higher than the California average, the city has seen better days.
The higher than average crime rates in Commerce are not new, as violent crime has been a serious issue for many years and topped 1,448 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the last calendar year. In some areas, the riks are greater than others, as residents have a 1 in 69 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
1. Oakland
- Population: 431,366
- 1,925 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 5.27
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 52
- Total Crimes / 100k: 9,156
Oakland, CA holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in California with 1,925 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (1,158), robbery (680), rape (68) and homicide (19) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 296% higher than the California average.
Contributing to these numbers could be the higher than average rates of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity. Ongoing efforts from local law enforcement and the community have been created to help reduce the crime rates going forward.
Final Thoughts
California remains one of America’s most desirable states thanks to its thriving economy, cultural diversity, world-class attractions, and stunning natural landscapes. However, crime rates can vary dramatically from one city—and even one neighborhood—to another.
Anyone considering a move or planning a visit should research local conditions, review recent crime statistics, and explore specific neighborhoods before making decisions. Understanding both the opportunities and challenges within a community is essential for making informed choices.
