Top 20 Most Dangerous Cities in California for 2025 – Updated List

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. Oakland 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.

20. Berkeley

According to Berkeley Scanner, this marks a decrease compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 13 shootings, six of which resulted in injuries.

Detailed Breakdown of Recent Incidents

The reported shootings in 2025 occurred on the following dates:

• March 21: Near Memorial Stadium on Canyon Road, where officers found evidence of gunfire but no victims or property damage.

• February 9: On University Avenue between Acton and Sacramento streets; details remain limited.​

• January 18: In the 2800 block of College Avenue; initial reports found no evidence, but a subsequent search uncovered signs of gunfire.

• January 20: At 62nd and King streets, with evidence found a block west at 62nd and California streets.

Comparative Crime Rates

In a broader context, Berkeley’s violent crime rate stands at 28.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 22.7 but slightly higher than San Jose’s rate of 25, as per Best Places.

Property crime is more pronounced, with Berkeley reporting 64.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, nearly double the national average of 35.4 and significantly higher than San Jose’s 36.5.

19. West Hollywood

According to In February 2025, the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station reported responding to 1,626 service calls, leading to 116 arrests, 31 of which were felonies, WEHOOnline reports.

Community Engagement and Safety Initiatives

West Hollywood’s Safety Ambassadors played a significant role in community engagement during the same period.

They conducted 1,956 hospitality interactions and contacted businesses 3,463 times. Notably, their outreach to unhoused individuals increased by 24% from the previous year, totaling 578 interactions.

Additionally, safety escorts provided by the ambassadors rose to 29 incidents, marking a 200% increase.

Comparative Crime Rates

According to data from 2025, West Hollywood’s violent crime rate stands at 37.2, which is higher than the national average of 22.7 but lower than Chicago’s rate of 49.9.

The property crime rate in West Hollywood is 58.2, surpassing both the national average of 35.4 and Chicago’s rate of 46.3.

18. Red Bluff

​Red Bluff, a city in Tehama County, California, has been grappling with significant crime challenges in 2025.

Recent statistics indicate that the city’s crime rate stands at 74 per 1,000 residents, placing it among the highest in the nation.

This means residents face a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime, a figure that surpasses the crime rates of over 99% of communities within California.

Violent Crime Escalation

The violent crime rate in Red Bluff has reached alarming levels. Offenses such as rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault are notably prevalent.

According to NeighborhoodScout, the chance of encountering a violent crime in the city is 1 in 82. This is significantly higher than the national median, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Property Crime Concerns

Property crimes, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, are also rampant in Red Bluff. Statistics show that residents face a 1 in 16 chance of falling victim to property crime, with a rate of 62 incidents per 1,000 residents.

Particularly concerning is the city’s motor vehicle theft rate, which is among the highest nationwide, with a 1 in 120 chance of vehicle theft.

Comparative Analysis with Neighboring Cities

When compared to nearby cities, Red Bluff’s crime rates are notably higher.

For instance, Redding, located just north of Red Bluff, has a violent crime rate of 50.4 and a property crime rate of 59.8, both of which are lower than Red Bluff’s respective rates of 50.4 and 94.2 as per Best Places.

17. San Francisco

​As of April 2025, San Francisco has experienced notable shifts in its crime, reflecting both challenges and progress in public safety efforts.​

Decline in Violent Crime

In 2024, San Francisco recorded a significant decrease in violent crime, with homicides dropping to 35 cases—a 31% reduction from the previous year and the lowest since 1961, as reported by Mission Local.

This downward trend extended to other violent offenses, including rapes and aggravated assaults, contributing to an overall 14% decline in violent crime compared to 2023.

Reduction in Property Crime

Property crimes also saw a substantial decline. Auto burglaries, a longstanding concern, decreased by over 50% from 2023 to 2024, reaching a 22-year low.

This improvement is attributed to proactive policing strategies, such as targeted stings and the deployment of technologies like license plate readers and drones.

Targeted Enforcement Efforts

In early 2025, the San Francisco Police Department intensified efforts to address specific crime hotspots.

For instance, along the Sixth Street corridor, officers made 218 arrests within a month, with 124 related to drug charges, as reported by SFGATE.

16. Santa Fe Springs

Santa Fe Springs, California, has experienced significant crime challenges in recent years, positioning it among the more dangerous cities in the state as of 2025.

Analyzing the latest crime statistics reveals notable trends in both violent and property crimes, underscoring the need for continued community awareness and law enforcement efforts.​

Overall Crime Rate

In 2023, Santa Fe Springs reported a crime rate of 655 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is approximately 2.7 times higher than the national average.

According to City-Data, this figure marks a 7% increase compared to 2022, indicating a rising trend in criminal activities within the city.

Specifically, the number of homicides rose to nine in 2023, an increase of six from the previous year. Over the past five years, the city has seen a rise in both violent and property crimes.

Violent Crime Trends

Violent crimes, including aggravated assaults, robberies, and homicides, have been particularly concerning. In 2023, the violent crime rate was 467 per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average of 203.4.

The city recorded nine homicides that year, reflecting a troubling increase. Additionally, the assault rate stood at 442.14 per 100,000 residents, further emphasizing the severity of violent crime in the area.

Property Crime Concerns

Property crimes have also surged, with the 2023 rate reaching 699.7 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 155.7.

Motor vehicle thefts were notably high, with a rate of 14.97 per 1,000 residents, indicating that residents faced a 1 in 67 chance of having their vehicle stolen, as per NeighborhoodScout. ​

15. Signal Hill

Signal Hill, a city in California, has been grappling with significant crime challenges in 2025. The overall crime rate stands at 60 per 1,000 residents, positioning it among the highest in the nation, as reported by NeighborhoodScout.

This statistic translates to a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in the city.

Comparatively, more than 98% of communities in California have a lower crime rate than Signal Hill.

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crime in Signal Hill is notably high, with a rate of 6.76 incidents per 1,000 residents. This includes offenses such as rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

Residents face a 1 in 148 chance of falling victim to violent crime, a figure that surpasses both state and national averages, statistics show.

Specifically, the city has reported 4 rapes, 22 robberies, and 50 aggravated assaults in the current year.

Property Crime Concerns

NeighborhoodScout also reported that property crimes are a significant concern in Signal Hill, with a rate of 53.34 per 1,000 residents.

This category encompasses burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The likelihood of experiencing a property crime is 1 in 19.

Particularly alarming is the motor vehicle theft rate, which stands at 15.65 per 1,000 residents, indicating a 1 in 64 chance of vehicle theft.

14. Commerce

Commerce, California, has garnered attention due to its notably high crime rates. As of 2025, the city reported a total crime rate of 15,296 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 571% higher than the national average, judging by AreaVibes statistics.

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crimes in Commerce are alarmingly prevalent. AreaVibes reports that the city recorded 1,398 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, a rate 284% higher than the national average.

This category includes offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault. Specifically, the murder rate stood at 34.5 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly above the national average of 6.1.

Robberies were reported at 603.9 per 100,000 residents, and assaults at 716.1 per 100,000 residents, both substantially exceeding national figures, as per Niche.

Property Crime Insights

Property crimes present an even graver issue in Commerce. The city experienced 13,899 property crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 625% higher than the national average, as per statistics. This category includes burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Notably, burglaries were reported at 2,424.3 per 100,000 residents, thefts at 7,928.6, and motor vehicle thefts at 3,545.9, all significantly surpassing national averages.

13. Barstow

​Barstow, a city located in San Bernardino County, California, has experienced notable fluctuations in its crime rates over recent years.

According to City-Data, the city’s crime index was reported at 396, which is approximately 1.6 times higher than the U.S. average, indicating a higher prevalence of crime compared to many other American cities.

This figure, however, represents an 11% decrease from the previous year, suggesting some improvement in public safety.

Violent Crime Trends

In 2023, Barstow’s violent crime rate stood at 463.4 per 100,000 residents, more than double the national average of 203.4, which was also reported by City-Data. This category includes offenses such as aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and murder.

Specifically, there were 2 reported homicides, 12 rapes, 47 robberies, and 154 aggravated assaults during that year, as reported by AreaVibes. While these numbers are concerning, they do reflect a downward trend in violent crimes over the past five years, indicating progress in addressing these issues.

Property Crime Dynamics

Property crimes in Barstow, which encompass burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, were recorded at a rate of 338.5 per 100,000 residents in 2023.

Although this rate surpasses the national average of 155.7, it represents a decline compared to previous years. Notably, motor vehicle theft remains a significant concern, with residents facing a 1 in 117 chance of having their vehicle stolen.

#roc Shared from FB@sfj8888 @mcfw @JohnSpaulding @acoffey3216 @barstow_scott @r_heals13 pic.twitter.com/NrdRUSLA1W

— ROCHESTER, NY CRIME, INCIDENTS, NEWS, INFO (@ROCHNYCRIMEINFO) April 9, 2025

Comparative Analysis with Other California Cities

When compared to some cities in California, Barstow’s crime rates are notably higher. For instance, in 2025, Barstow reported a violent crime rate of 57.9, significantly exceeding Sacramento’s rate of 35.6 and the national average of 22.7, as per Best Places.

Similarly, Barstow’s property crime rate was 56.4, compared to Sacramento’s 46.9 and the national average of 35.4. These statistics underscore the relative severity of Barstow’s crime situation within the state.

12. Susanville

Susanville, a city in Lassen County, California, has experienced notable shifts in its crime dynamics as of 2025. According to Crime Grade, the overall crime rate stands at 31.23 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, positioning Susanville in the 31st percentile for safety nationwide.

This indicates that the city is safer than 31% of U.S. cities but less safe than the remaining 69%. Residents face a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crimes, including offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, have been a significant concern in Susanville. Crime Grade statistics also show that the violent crime rate is 4.917 per 1,000 residents per year.

Notably, the southeast neighborhoods report higher incidents, with a 1 in 169 chance of residents encountering violent crime, whereas the southwest areas are comparatively safer, with a 1 in 366 chance.

Property Crime Insights

Property crimes, encompassing burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, have shown varied trends. AreaVibes reports that the property crime rate is 27.2% lower than the national average.

Specifically, there were 198 property crimes reported, amounting to 1,201 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average by 38.6%.

Economic Impact of Crime

The financial ramifications of crime in Susanville are substantial. The projected cost of crime for 2025 is approximately $11.4 million, translating to about $465 per resident and $1,120 per household, as reported by CrimeGrade.

This expenditure represents roughly 1.7% of the median household income in the city. Violent crimes contribute significantly to this figure, with an estimated cost of $6.66 million, underscoring the urgency for effective crime prevention and intervention strategies.

11. Emeryville

According to City-Data, in 2023, the city experienced a crime rate of 1,303 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is approximately 5.4 times higher than the national average. This marked a 26% increase compared to 2022, indicating a significant upward trend in criminal activity.

Violent vs. Property Crimes

The distinction between violent and property crimes in Emeryville is notable. Violent crimes, including offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, have seen fluctuations over the years.

Statistics show that in 2023, the violent crime rate was 790.7 per 100,000 residents, a significant rise from 575.1 in 2022. Property crimes, encompassing burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, are particularly prevalent. For instance, in 2023, the property crime rate stood at 1,349.2 per 100,000 residents, underscoring the city’s challenges in curbing such offenses.​

Comparative Analysis with Neighboring Cities

When compared to neighboring cities, Emeryville’s crime statistics are concerning. For example, Berkeley reported a crime index of 543.9, while Oakland’s was slightly higher than Emeryville at 1,507.8. This positions Emeryville among the cities with the highest crime rates in the region, despite its smaller population.

Recent Trends and Community Impact

As of February 2025, the Emeryville Police Department reported a total of 123 Part 1 crimes, a decrease from 138 in January 2025. Violent crimes accounted for 14 incidents, including 5 robberies and 2 aggravated assaults.

Property crimes were more prevalent, with 109 incidents comprising 25 auto burglaries, 23 auto thefts, and 45 petty thefts. Year-to-date comparisons indicate a 44% reduction in robberies and a 17% decrease in aggravated assaults compared to the same period in 2024.

10. Modesto

Modesto, another city in the Central Valley, also faces socio-economic difficulties. With a high violent crime rate, safety is on the minds of many who live here.

Modesto’s high poverty rate adds another layer of struggle, affecting families’ access to stable jobs and good schools.

9. Inglewood

Inglewood, part of Los Angeles County, has seen some positive development in recent years. But crime and economic disparities are still very real concerns here.

The violent crime rate is very high, which reflects ongoing safety issues, and economic inequalities continue to affect the quality of life for many.

8. Richmond

Richmond, located in the East Bay, has long grappled with high crime rates and economic hardship. With a high number of violent incidents, safety is a primary concern for many.

Economic disparities make it tough for families to access resources like quality education and healthcare.

Preliminary 2024 Crime Statistics for Richmond, California

The entirety of 2024 statistics are not yet fully audited and may be subject to change. However, preliminary data provides insight into the city’s crime trends over the past year. Here’s what we found out from Contra Costa News:

• Homicides: 11
• Sexual Assaults: 96
• Robberies: 266
• Aggravated Assaults: 914
• Burglaries: 277
• Larceny-Theft: 1,700
• Vehicle Thefts: 1,032
• Arson: 31

7. Compton

Compton’s reputation often precedes it, especially when it comes to crime and gang activity. With a high violent crime rate, safety remains a pressing issue.

But let’s not overlook the progress that’s been made. Compton’s residents have pushed for better education, safer streets, and more opportunities for young people.

Change isn’t easy, but there’s a deep pride in this community and a determination to reshape its future.

6. Stockton

Over in the Central Valley, Stockton tells a story of economic struggle. With violent crime in this city, safety is a major concern.

Being one of the most ghetto and dangerous cities in the whole U.S., you should be very careful and look out for your safety if visiting.

Stockton’s high unemployment rate only adds to the challenge, leaving families with fewer opportunities to build a stable life.

5. Vallejo

Vallejo, located in the North Bay, is a city with a rich history, yet its present-day challenges are significant.

Economic instability and crime are daily realities, with violent crime being a constant issue. Poverty is prevalent, limiting economic opportunities for many Vallejo residents.

4. San Bernardino

San Bernardino, nestled in the Inland Empire, faces its own share of obstacles. Economic instability has taken a toll on this city, where the violent crime rate is spiking.

Even as local leaders work toward solutions, issues like unemployment and limited access to affordable housing make it hard for families to thrive.

3. Fresno

Fresno is one of California’s largest cities, and it’s also one that faces some of the toughest issues. Crime, poverty, and gang violence all impact daily life here.

Economic inequality and limited access to education mean that opportunities are often scarce for Fresno’s residents.

Near Fresno there are numerous prisons, some of which are definitely places you want to avoid.

2. Bakersfield – Concerning Violent Crime

Bakersfield may be known for its agricultural roots, but it’s also a city where poverty and crime affect daily life.

Limited social services make it harder for residents to overcome economic struggles and access essential resources.

1. Oakland – The Most Dangerous City In California

Oakland is one of California’s most complex cities and one of the cities with the most murders in America as of 2024. Some areas of the city are still plagued by significant challenges. Violent crime rates are high, with around 1,521 incidents per 100,000 residents – well above the national average.

Poverty here doesn’t just affect individuals; it impacts entire communities. In some neighborhoods, people have limited access to quality jobs and schools.

It’s an uphill battle to tackle these issues, but Oakland’s resilient spirit means that hope is never far away.

Key Challenges Across These Cities

Across these 10 cities, common themes emerge:

• High Crime Rates: Safety remains a top concern, affecting everything from community trust to local business growth.
• Economic Instability: Unemployment and poverty are widespread, making it difficult for families to access basic needs.
• Limited Access to Quality Education: Many of these areas struggle with underfunded schools and limited educational resources.

These issues don’t exist in isolation. When combined, they create an environment where people are forced to work much harder to access opportunities that may be readily available elsewhere in California.

Methodology

• I reviewed 2023-2024 stats on crime rates, unemployment, and poverty from official sources.
• I looked at local reports and community initiatives to understand ongoing challenges.
• Cities were ranked based on combined economic hardship, crime rate, and community impact.

Last Words

After looking at some of the most dangerous cities in California, it’s clear that safety varies quite a bit across the state. While some areas face higher crime rates, it’s 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

• neighborhoodscout.com – California Crime Rates and Statistics
• city-data.com – Crime in California (CA)
• bestplaces.net – California Crime
• areavibes.com – Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in California (2024)
• ci.richmond.ca.us – City of Richmond 2024 Crime Statistics
• stocktonia.org – Stockton crime down in 2024, police data shows
• yourcentralvalley.com – Fresno sees 300% homicides increase in comparison with 2023
• calmatters.org – ‘Devil on the loose’: What’s behind Kern County’s soaring homicide rate?
• nbcbayarea.com – Crime numbers down in Oakland, police data shows
• oaklandside.org – Homicides are finally and significantly falling in Oakland
• kron4.com – Here’s what latest data says about Oakland’s crime rates
• nypost.com – Elderly Oakland man’s prized antique Corvette stolen from his home in broad daylight: ‘No consequences in this city’