Crime, poverty, and limited access to quality education create daily struggles for people in specific areas. In 2024, several Californian cities remain trapped in cycles of hardship, and for those who live there, “ghetto” isn’t just a label—it’s a lived experience marked by scarcity and resilience.
While cities such as Oakland and Stockton are well-known for being “ghetto,” there are other places you should be aware of.
Today, we’ll take a close look at the top 10 cities facing these challenges head-on. Let’s get right into it.
A Quick Look
| Rank | City | Crime Rate per 1,000 People |
| 10 | Modesto | 32.98 |
| 9 | Inglewood | 35.72 |
| 8 | Richmond | 37.33 |
| 7 | Compton | 38.31 |
| 6 | Stockton | 41.00 |
| 5 | Vallejo | 42.65 |
| 4 | San Bernardino | 43.79 |
| 3 | Fresno | 44.29 |
| 2 | Bakersfield | 46.55 |
| 1 | Oakland | 65.50 |
10. Modesto – 32.98 per 1.000 People Crime Rate
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.
Overall Crime Rate
According to NeighborhoodScout, Modesto’s crime rate stands at 33 per 1,000 residents, placing it among the highest in the nation.
This means residents face a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.
Violent Crime Rate
Statistics also show that the city experiences a violent crime rate of 7.66 per 1,000 residents, which is notably higher than the national median of 4 per 1,000.
This includes offenses such as assault, robbery, rape, and murder.
Property Crime Rate
Property crimes in Modesto occur at a rate of 25.32 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national median of 20 per 1,000, as per NeighborhoodScout numbers. This category encompasses burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
Motor Vehicle Theft
Modesto has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation, with a rate of 4.44 per 1,000 residents, statistics show. This translates to a 1 in 225 chance of having a vehicle stolen.
Police Presence
According to City-Data, the city employs 184 police officers, equating to approximately 0.85 officers per 1,000 residents.
This is significantly below the California average of 2.30 officers per 1,000 residents, potentially impacting the city’s ability to effectively manage and reduce crime.
9. Inglewood – 35.72 per 1.000 People Crime Rate
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.
Violent Crime Rate
According to BestPlaces statistics, Inglewood’s violent crime rate stands at 36.5, surpassing the national average of 22.7.
Property Crime Rate
Statistics provided by BestPlaces also show that the city experiences a property crime rate of 35.6, slightly above the national average of 35.4.
Overall Crime Rate
With a crime rate of 36 per 1,000 residents, Inglewood ranks among the higher crime rates in the U.S., giving residents a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim, as per NeighborhoodScout.
Motor Vehicle Theft
Statistics also show that Inglewood faces a notably high rate of motor vehicle theft, with residents having a 1 in 93 chance of their car being stolen.
Year-over-Year Crime Increase
The city has seen a 21% increase in crime year over year, indicating a rising trend in criminal activities, as per AreaVibes.
8. Richmond – 37.33 per 1.000 People Crime Rate
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.
Homicides
As of September 2024, Richmond reported 10 homicides.
Aggravated Assaults
The city recorded 740 aggravated assaults by September 2024.
Motor Vehicle Thefts
There were 909 motor vehicle thefts reported up to September 2024.
Total Index Crimes
By September 2024, Richmond had a total of 3,494 index crimes, encompassing various offenses.
Overall Crime Rate
NeighborhoodScout reports that Richmond’s total crime rate stands at 37 per 1,000 residents, indicating a higher crime rate than 92% of California communities.
Violent Crime Rate
Statistics also show that the violent crime rate is 8.85 per 1,000 residents, significantly above the national median of 4.
7. Compton – 38.31 per 1.000 People Crime Rate
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.
Overall Crime Rate
In 2022, Compton reported a total of 3,524 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 38 per 1,000 residents.
This is significantly higher than the national average, placing Compton among the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.
Violent Crime Rate
The violent crime rate in Compton stands at 11.4 per 1,000 residents, meaning residents have a 1 in 88 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. This rate is more than double the national average.
Property Crime Rate
Property crimes, including burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, occur at a rate of 26.91 per 1,000 residents in Compton. This is higher than both the California and national averages.
Motor Vehicle Theft
Compton experiences one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation, with a rate of 11.08 per 1,000 residents. This means there’s a 1 in 90 chance of having a vehicle stolen.
Year-Over-Year Crime Increase
According to AreaVibes, between 2021 and 2022, Compton saw a 3.6% increase in overall crime rates. While violent crime decreased by 7.1%, property crime rose by 8.9% during the same period.
6. Stockton – 41.00 per 1.000 People Crime Rate
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.
Overall Crime Reduction
Reported crimes in Stockton decreased by 11.6% during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Robbery Incidents
Robberies dropped by 17.6% from January to September 2024, indicating a significant decline in such offenses.
Auto Theft Cases
Auto thefts saw a 14.2% reduction in the first three quarters of 2024, reflecting enhanced vehicle security and law enforcement efforts.
Aggravated Assaults
Aggravated assaults experienced a slight uptick of 0.1% during the same timeframe, suggesting a need for continued focus on violent crime prevention.
Homicide Rate
The number of homicides remained steady at 39 in both 2023 and the first nine months of 2024, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing violent crime.
5. Vallejo – 42.65 per 1.000 People Crime Rate
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.
Overall Crime Rate
NeigbourhoodScout reported that Vallejo’s crime rate stands at 52 per 1,000 residents, placing it among the highest in the nation.
This means there’s a 1 in 19 chance of falling victim to crime here.
Violent Crime Rate
Statistics show that the city experiences a violent crime rate of 9.83 per 1,000 residents, which is nearly double the national median of 4. This includes offenses like murder, rape, robbery, and assault.
Property Crime Rate
NeighborhoodScout numbers show that property crimes are notably high, with a rate of 42.65 per 1,000 residents. This encompasses burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
Motor Vehicle Theft
Statistics show that Vallejo has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation, with a 1 in 107 chance of your car being stolen.
Year-over-Year Crime Increase
According to AreaVibes, over the past year, Vallejo has seen a 20% increase in overall crime, which is a growing concern for residents and authorities alike.
4. San Bernardino – 43.79 per 1.000 People Crime Rate
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.
Overall Crime Rate
San Bernardino’s crime rate stands at 44 incidents per 1,000 residents, placing it among the highest in the nation. This means residents face a 1 in 23 chance of falling victim to either violent or property crimes.
Violent Crime Rate
The city experiences a violent crime rate of 12.62 per 1,000 residents, significantly surpassing the national median of 4. This includes offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault.
Property Crime Rate
Property crimes occur at a rate of 31.17 per 1,000 residents in San Bernardino, compared to the national median of 20. This category encompasses burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
Murder Rate
In 2022 alone, San Bernardino reported 72 murders, equating to a rate of 32.3 per 100,000 people. This figure is notably higher than the national average of 6.3 per 100,000.
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate
The city faces a motor vehicle theft rate of 7.99 per 1,000 residents, which is among the highest in the nation. Residents have a 1 in 125 chance of having their vehicle stolen.
3. Fresno – 44.29 per 1.000 People Crime Rate
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.
Homicide Rate Surge
As of March 2024, Fresno experienced a 300% increase in homicides compared to the same period in 2023, with 12 homicides reported, Your Central Valley reports.
Overall Crime Rate
According to NeighborhoodScout, Fresno’s crime rate stands at 44 per 1,000 residents, placing it among the highest in the nation. Residents face a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.
Violent Crime Rate
The city reports a violent crime rate of 8.75 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the national median of 4.99, as statistics show.
Property Crime Rate
NeighborhoodScout statistics also show that property crimes occur at a rate of 35.54 per 1,000 residents in Fresno, surpassing the national median of 23.43.
Vehicle Theft Incidents
Fresno reported 3,134 motor vehicle thefts, equating to a rate of 573.1 per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average of 282.7, as per AreaVibes.
2. Bakersfield – 46.55 per 1.000 People Crime Rate
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.
Overall Crime Rate
According to AreaVibes, Bakersfield’s crime rate stands at 4,519 incidents per 100,000 residents, nearly double the national average.
Violent Crime Rate
As per statistics, the city experiences 546 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which is 47.7% higher than the national average.
Property Crime Rate
Statistics also show that property crimes occur at a rate of 3,972 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 103.3%.
Motor Vehicle Theft
According to AreaVibes, with 1,179 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people, Bakersfield ranks among the highest in the nation.
Homicide Rate
CalMatters reported that in 2020 alone, Kern County, where Bakersfield is located, had a homicide rate of 12.7 per 100,000 residents, the highest in California.
1. Oakland – 65.50 per 1.000 People Crime Rate
Oakland is one of California’s most complex cities and one 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.
Overall Crime Reduction
According to NBC Bay Area, the city reports a 33% drop in overall crime compared to the same period last year.
Decrease in Homicides
Homicides have decreased by 17% in 2024, with 71 killings recorded as of October 27, fewer than in the same period over the past three years, Oaklandside reports.
Decline in Assaults
KRON4 reports that assaults involving firearms have dropped by 21% this year, indicating a positive trend in reducing violent encounters.
However, despite the overall decline in assaults, robberies have increased by 11%, with residential robberies spiking by 118%.
Property Crime Trends
As per the New York Post, burglaries have decreased by 50%, yet car thefts remain a concern, with over 3,500 incidents reported in 2024 alone.
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.
Why Paying Attention Matters
Recognizing the challenges in these California cities isn’t just about pointing out the negatives. It’s about understanding the full story. Every city, from Oakland to Inglewood, is filled with people who care deeply about where they live and are working to make things better.
By shedding light on these issues, we create space for meaningful conversations about how to support the people who call these places home.
California may be known for its glitz and glam, but its strength lies in the resilience of every community, including those facing the hardest battles. And with awareness, empathy, and action, there’s hope for a better future for everyone in the Golden State.
America has some of the biggest crime problems in the last years, Florida, for example, is constantly facing new crime tragedies.
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’
