Most Dangerous Cities in California
Crime is an unfortunate yet unavoidable fact of life. Wherever there are large amounts of people living together, you can expect to find a certain level of crime one way or another. California is no different. The largest state in terms of population, California is home to many cities and neighborhoods. High rates of unemployment, poverty, lack of job opportunities, and homelessness have turned some areas into undesirable places to visit.
Based on the number of violent crimes committed per capita in 2021 and according to data provided by the FBI Crime Data Explorer (CDE), these are the most dangerous cities in California. Violent crime includes murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, all forms of property crime, arson, burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft.
1. San Bernadino - 1,364 Violent Crimes Per Capita
A part of the Los Angeles Metro Area, San Bernadino has the highest violent crime rate in all of Califonia. Crime rates have risen in this area since 2017 and have not slowed down since. With a poverty rate of almost 25 percent and a median household income of $49,287, it is not too shocking to see this city make the list.
The level of education could be a major problem adding to the city's high crime rate. Of the 222,203 people that call San Bernadino home, only 70 percent have received their high school diploma, and 33 percent come from a single-mother home.
2. Oakland - 1,303 Violent Crimes Per Capita
It should be no surprise to see Oakland on this list. A city that is commonly associated with gang activity and criminality, many residents have been waiting far too long for Oakland to shed its rough and dangerous reputation.
Just a short ride over the bridge from San Franciso, Oakland is not following its sister city's trend of a decreasing crime rate. On paper, Oakland should not be too far behind other Bay Area cities in terms of prosperity, with a high average household income and somewhat low poverty rate. Sadly this is not the case.
There is such a divide between the poor and rich areas in Oakland that at times it can be hard to believe you are still in the same city as you travel between them. The areas of Eastmont, Webster, and Fitchburg are all notorious for their disproportionate levels of crime and poverty.
3. Stockton - 1,248 Violent Crimes Per Capita
Stockton, a city known for its rough demeanor has seen a resurgence in crime in the latter part of the previous decade. 2022 is shaping up to be a bad year for the city as its number of homicides already surpassed last year's.
Many community members are calling for change but it is still unclear if anything immediate will happen. Roughly 17 percent of Stockton lives below the poverty line. This might seem small at first glance but it roughly equates to 54,100 people. Stockton is long overdue for a change. The Northern Californian city has long been the victim of high crime rates.
4. Compton - 1,201 Violent Crimes Per Capita
A city all too familiar with violence and gang culture, Compton still has a high violent crime rate relative to its population size. Despite its bad reputation from previous decades, Compton has seen a steady and consistent decrease in crime since its infamous days of the 1980s and 90s but this is only part of a larger trend that is occurring nationwide.
However, with a relatively low average household income of $58,703 and an almost 20 percent poverty rate, there is still plenty of work to do. Hopefully, as the city starts to shed its bad image it can be on the receiving end of lucrative new businesses and bountiful developments.
5. Richmond - 928 Violent Crimes Per Capita
A part of the larger San Francisco Bay Area, Richmond has seen a steady increase in violent crimes since early 2014. Known for its beautiful ocean-side views and outdoor activities, Richmond also holds on to one of the highest crime rates in California.
The poverty rate in Richmond is slightly higher than the state average of 15.1 percent. Approximately 16,943 of 107,702 residents are living in what California deems as poverty. While these numbers are by no means abnormal, because of a lack of nearby jobs and opportunities the problems continue to intensify.
6. Los Angeles - 750 Violent Crimes Per Capita
Los Angeles has seen better days. Battling with street violence, rampant homelessness, and drug addiction, the LAPD has been struggling to keep up. Social services are also lagging behind the issue. Swamped with homeless people arriving from other parts of the US, local homeless shelters are at full capacity, and "tent cities" are now commonplace in Los Angeles.
Many initiatives at both the state and city levels have started to try and counter these problems. It is still too early to tell if they will have a positive impact on the city. An increase in homicides has shaken LA over the last few years jumping up significantly from 258 in 2019 to 351 in 2020. While it has not reached the same level as the 1990s it is still causing serious concern. Muggings and armed robberies are also on the rise.
Summary
These numbers are certainly shocking, but it does not mean you need to live in fear and constant paranoia. If you do wind up in a bad part of town be sure to take simple safety precautions. Making sure you are not displaying signs of wealth or affluence is a simple step anyone can take to make themselves a less likely target of a mugging or robbery. Accessories that are noticeable like watches, jewelry, and expensive electronics should stay at home. Sticking to busy roads and keeping good situational awareness is also important regardless of where you are.
