California is home to some of the most crime-ridden cities in the United States, with certain areas consistently reporting high rates of violent and property crime. While the state boasts a large population and diverse urban centers, crime statistics reveal significant safety concerns in specific cities.
After analyzing recent crime data, it’s clear that a few cities stand out for their dangerous environments, posing heightened risks for residents and visitors alike. Emeryville definitely stands out as one of the most dangerous, but there are other cities that are important to mention.
Let’s take a closer look.
Table of Contents
Toggle10. Inglewood
Inglewood rounds out the list of the most dangerous cities in California for 2024. The city faces significant crime challenges, that are highlighted by City-Data.
Here are the specifics:
Statistic | Rate per 1,000 Residents |
---|---|
Violent Crime Rate | 6.65 |
Property Crime Rate | 29.07 |
Total Population | 107,762 |
Inglewood, in southwestern Los Angeles County, sees a violent crime rate of 6.65 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 29.07 per 1,000. The city faces significant challenges with violent offenses like assault, robbery, and homicide, along with property crimes such as burglary, theft, and car theft.
Overall Crime Rate
Inglewood has a total crime rate of 35.7 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the national average, placing the city among the more dangerous areas in the U.S., NeighborhoodScout reports.
Year-Over-Year Crime Increase
Over the last year, crime in Inglewood has increased by 21%, reflecting an upward trend in overall criminal activity in the city, as per AreaVibes.
9. Modesto
Modesto’s struggles are mainly focused on violent and property crimes, and the Modesto Crime map highlights these issues.
Here are the specific statistics:
Statistic | Rate per 1,000 Residents |
---|---|
Violent Crime Rate | 7.66 |
Property Crime Rate | 25.32 |
Total Population | 219,000 |
Modesto, nestled in the Central Valley, sees a violent crime rate of 7.66 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 25.32 per 1,000.
Overall Crime
According to Crime Grade, overall, Modestoโs crime rate stands at 52.58 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crimes are particularly notable, with the assault rate at 2.56 per 1,000 and robberies at 1.45 per 1,000.
Violent Crime Grade
Modesto has been facing some significant crime trends in 2024. For example, violent crimes slightly increased by 10% this year compared to last year, with a reported total of 693 incidents. Another standout is auto theft, which surged by 26%, making it a growing concern in the area, according to the Modesto Government.
8. Lancaster
Lancaster ranks places eighth on our list, mainly due to its very high ratings in violent crimes, that were provided by AreaVibes.
Here are the specifics that NeighborhoodScout highlighted:
Statistic | Rate per 1,000 Residents |
---|---|
Violent Crime Rate | 8.64 |
Property Crime Rate | 18.85 |
Total Population | 173,516 |
Overall Crime Rate
Lancaster experiences about 49.99 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. This puts the city in the 36th percentile for safety, meaning it’s more dangerous than about 64% of other U.S. cities, according to Crime Grade.
Chance of Becoming a Victim
If you’re living in Lancaster, there’s a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime (either violent or property-related), as per NeighborhoodScout statistics. This is higher than the national average.
Year-Over-Year Crime Increase
There has been an 11% increase in overall crime compared to previous years, adding to the communityโs concerns about safety, according to AreaVibes.
7. Richmond
Richmond suffers from high rates of violent and property crimes, the City of Richmond reports.
Statistics only confirm this trend.
Statistic | Rate per 1,000 Residents |
---|---|
Violent Crime Rate | 9.20 |
Property Crime Rate | 35.87 |
Total Population | 111,441 |
Richmond, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, has a violent crime rate of 9.20 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 35.87 per 1,000 residents.
Gun Violence Incidents
As of mid-2024, Richmond had reported 53 gun violence incidents, which include both fatal and non-fatal shootings, Safe and Sound reports.
Population and Crime
Safe and Sound also reports that Richmondโs estimated population in 2024 is 111,441, and the city’s crime index remains a key concern as it ranks among the more dangerous areas in the Bay Area.
6. Vallejo
Vallejo continues to struggle with high crime rates, especially property crime, in 2024, as per Vallejo Police.
Statistics are pretty grim:
Statistic | Rate per 1,000 Residents |
---|---|
Violent Crime Rate | 9.83 |
Property Crime Rate | 42.65 |
Total Population | 124,886 |
Vallejo, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, has a violent crime rate of 9.83 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 42.65 per 1,000 residents, NeighborhoodScout reports.
Overall Crime Rate
NeighborhoodScout also reported that the total crime rate in Vallejo is 52 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. compared to communities of all sizes.
Year-Over-Year Increase
AreaVibes statistics show that crime in Vallejo has surged by 20% in the past year, reflecting an upward trend in both violent and property crimes.
5. Compton
Known for its high rates of violent crime, as highlighted in City-Data research, Compton continues to be one of the most dangerous places in the state.
Here are the stats provided by NeighborhoodScout:
Statistic | Rate per 1,000 Residents |
---|---|
Violent Crime Rate | 11.4 |
Property Crime Rate | 26.91 |
Total Population | 97,740 |
Comparison With National Averages
AreaVibes stats show that Compton’s crime rate is 64% higher than the national average. The chances of being involved in a crime are about 1 in 27, with violent crime rates being 208% higher than the national average.
Motor Vehicle Theft
This is a significant issue, with a rate of 6.54 per 1,000 people, as per NeighborhoodScout. Residents have a 1 in 90 chance of having their car stolen.
4. Stockton
Stockton also struggles with crime in 2024, plagued by high rates of both violent and property crimes, as Wassertein-Home reports.
The following statistics can confirm these struggles:
Statistic | Rate per 1,000 Residents |
---|---|
Violent Crime Rate | 12.59 |
Property Crime Rate | 33.62 |
Total Population | 320,804 |
Stockton, located in California’s Central Valley, continues to face significant crime challenges. Get Safe and Sound reported that the city’s violent crime rate is 12.59 per 1,000 residents, which includes high rates of robbery, assault, and homicide. Property crime also remains a critical issue, with a rate of 33.62 per 1,000 residents, involving burglaries, thefts, and motor vehicle thefts.
Overall Crime
The overall crime rate in Stockton stands at 4,259 incidents per 100,000 people, giving you a 1 in 23 chance of being a victim of any crime. This is 65% higher than the state average, according to Sacramento Mover.
Homicide Rating
Sacramento Mover also reported that Homicides in Stockton are increasing, driven by gang violence, with a murder rate of 18 per 100,000 residents.
3. San Bernardino
Here are the statistics provided by Get Safe and Sound:
Statistic | Rate per 1,000 Residents |
---|---|
Violent Crime Rate | 14.91 |
Property Crime Rate | 30.64 |
Total Population | 222,101 |
San Bernardino, located in Southern California, has been grappling with high crime rates for several years. The city’s violent crime rate stands at 14.91 per 1,000 residents, including high incidences of robbery, assault, and murder.
Property crimes are also alarmingly high, with a rate of 30.64 per 1,000 residents, covering burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
Overall Crime Rate
According to NeighborhoodScout, the overall crime rate in San Bernardino is 43.79 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. Around 94% of cities in California have lower crime rates.
Motor Vehicle Theft
The city also has an alarming rate of car theft, with a 1 in 125 chance of your car being stolen, one of the highest rates in the nation, as per statistics.
Yearly Change
On a somewhat positive note, the crime rate has shown a 1% year-over-year decrease in 2024, indicating slight improvements, according to BestPlaces.
2. Oakland
Oakland remains one of the most dangerous cities in California in 2024. Despite numerous efforts to combat crime, the city continues to face high rates of both violent and property crimes, according to the LA Times. Here are the details:
Statistic | Rate per 1,000 Residents |
---|---|
Violent Crime Rate | 12.99 |
Property Crime Rate | 52.49 |
Total Population | 440,646 |
Oakland has long struggled with crime, and the recent data shows that the situation is still critical. According to NeighborhoodScout stats, the city has a crime rate of 15.28 per 1,000 residents.
Property crimes are a major concern, with a rate of 65.5 per 1,000 residents, involving burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
1. Emeryville
Emeryville tops the list as the most dangerous city in California for 2024. With a small population of just over 10,000, the city faces significant crime challenges, especially in property crimes, as per Anish Devasia.
Here are the statistics provided by AreaVibes:
Statistic | Rate per 1,000 Residents |
---|---|
Violent Crime Rate | 11.24 |
Property Crime Rate | 165.71 |
Total Population | 10,275 |
Efforts to curb crime in Emeryville include community policing and increased security measures in commercial areas. However, Emeryville safety continues to face significant hurdles due to the persistent economic and social challenges that fuel criminal activities.
Violent Crime Decrease
The city saw a 17% drop in violent crimes during the first half of 2024, with the biggest reduction in simple assaults, The E’ville Eye reports.
Overall Crime Rate
According to the statistics, in 2024, Emeryville’s overall crime rate sits at 162 per 1,000 residents, meaning the chance of being a victim of crime here is around 1 in 6, much higher than both state and national averages.
Last Words
After looking at some of the most dangerous cities in California, itโs clear that safety varies quite a bit across the state. While some areas face higher crime rates, itโs important to remember that every city is made up of more than just statistics.
People live, work, and raise families in these places. Crime can be a challenge, but there are also efforts underway to improve safety and strengthen communities. By staying informed and aware, we can all take steps to protect ourselves and contribute to making neighborhoods safer for everyone.
References
- City-Data – Crime rate in Inglewood
- AreaVibes – Most Dangerous Cities in California
- Modestogov – Modesto Crime Map
- Crime Grade – The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in California
- City of Richmond – Crime Statistics
- Vallejo PD – City of Vallejo Police Department / Public Information / Crime Data
- Wassertein-Home – Is Stockton Dangerous?
- Sacramento Mover – Stockton CA Crime Rates [2024]
- BestPlaces – 2024 Compare Crime Rates: Los Angeles, CA vs San Bernardino, CA
- Safe and Sound – Shocking California Crime Statistics
- The E’ville Eye – 2024 Q2 Emeryville Crime Data: Crime Trending Downward throughout first half of year
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