California is home to some of the most iconic cities in the world, such as Hollywood and Lombard Street. However, not all of these cities are safe havens. In fact, there are some cities in the Golden State that have a high incidence of crime. In this article, we will be highlighting the eight worst cities in California in 2023, based on their crime rates. So, if you’re planning a trip to California, be sure to avoid these cities if you’re looking for a safe and peaceful vacation.
8 Most Dangerous Cities in California
1. Emeryville
Emeryville, a city in California, has the highest rate of violent crime in the state, with 6,284 incidents per 100,000 residents. Despite its small population of 12,905, Emeryville has a high crime rate, with property theft and vehicle theft being the most common crimes. In 2022, there were almost 12,500 reported incidents of theft and almost 800 reported incidents of violent crime in the city.
Emeryville, with its small population, has a startlingly high rate of violent crime. In fact, every citizen has a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim of such crimes, which places Emeryville among the most violent cities in the United States.
2. Oakland
Oakland, California, has earned a notorious reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. The high crime rates make it a city that residents are wary of. Despite the decrease in crime rates since the 1990s, the city’s statistics still remain alarmingly higher than the national average. In 2021, the violent crime rate was recorded at an astonishing 1,453 per 100,000 residents, which is a cause for concern. The residents of Oakland are well aware of the situation and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
Oakland, situated in Alameda County, is a prominent commercial center in the East Bay Area. With a population of 440,646, it is the third-largest city in the Bay Area and holds the eighth position in the list of largest cities in California.
The city has seen a surge in crime, with vehicle theft, property theft, burglary, and assault topping the list of reported incidents. Of all these, gun violence is perhaps the most pressing concern in various parts of the city. Gang activity is believed to be the primary cause of gun-related crimes in Oakland, making it an urgent issue that needs to be addressed.
3. Exploring Bakersfield
Located near California’s San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield is known for its high crime rate, making it one of the most dangerous cities in California. Despite having a population of around 405,000, the overall crime rate in Bakersfield is 94% above the national average, giving the city an infamous reputation for being unsafe.
Bakersfield witnessed more than 15,000 cases of property crime last year. However, in 2022, the city experienced a significant decrease of 30% in homicides compared to the previous year, as reported by the local news agency Bakersfield Now. It’s worth noting that gang activity has been a persistent issue in the city and has contributed to much of the violence over the years.
4. Stockton
Located in San Joaquin County, Stockton is known for being one of the most dangerous cities in California’s Central Valley region. With a population of 320,804, the city has a crime rate that exceeds both the US and state average. In fact, the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Stockton are quite high, with a reported rate of 12.62 per 1,000 people in 2021, which means that the likelihood of becoming a victim is 1 in 79. Additionally, property crime is also a significant concern in Stockton, with over 9,000 reported incidents in 2021 alone.
5. San Bernardino
San Bernardino is known as one of the most violent cities in California. With a population of 222,101, the city has a crime rate that exceeds the national average by 79%. In recent years, violent crimes such as robbery and murder have seen a significant increase of up to 39% from 2017 to 2022. Although property crime has decreased, the rate of aggravated assault has skyrocketed by 145% since 2017, making San Bernardino one of the most undesirable cities to live in California.
6. Richmond
Located in the San Francisco Bay area, Richmond has a population of 110,567 and unfortunately, has gained a reputation for being one of the most dangerous cities in California. The city has a crime rate that is 82% higher than the national average, making it one of the worst places to live in the Bay area. It’s a concerning issue that needs to be addressed for the safety and well-being of the residents.
Richmond, located near San Francisco, is often considered as a more budget-friendly alternative. However, the city’s high crime rate is a cause for concern. In 2020, the violent crime rate in Richmond was a staggering 149% higher than the national average. Additionally, thousands of incidents related to vehicle and property theft were reported in the same year.
Although Richmond may appear less hazardous compared to its neighboring city, Oakland, it still holds the reputation of being one of the most perilous places in the Bay Area and California. The residents of the city usually perceive the northeastern part as a safer zone, whereas the central area, also known as the “Iron Triangle,” is prone to a higher concentration of criminal activities.
7. Merced
Merced, situated in the Central Valley of California, has a population of 86,333 and unfortunately, has one of the highest crime rates in the state. With 599 incidents per 1,000 people, it is considered one of the most dangerous cities in California.
The city of Merced has been struggling with high crime rates since the 1990s, making it one of the most violent metropolitan areas in the country. Although property crime has seen a decrease of up to 20% in 2020, the number of violent crimes has been on the rise. According to the FBI’s statistics for 2020, the city witnessed a sharp increase in murders, almost doubling from the previous year.
8. Modesto
Situated in the northern region of Merced, Modesto is renowned for being one of the most perilous cities in California. With a populace of approximately 219,000, the crime rate in Modesto is alarmingly high at 32.24 per 1,000 residents.
Modesto has a crime rate that is 37% higher than the national average, with a significant number of property crimes and thefts. The FBI’s statistics from 2021 show that Modesto had more than 5,000 reported cases of property crime and over 1,600 cases of violent crime. Moreover, Modesto is notorious for having one of the highest rates of car theft in California. In 2020 alone, there were 2,091 car thefts, or 389 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average.
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