10 Most Dangerous Cities in California | Worst Places to Live in California with High Crime Rates 2023

California, known for its picturesque landscapes and thriving urban centers, also grapples with some of the highest crime rates in the United States. In this article, we delve into the ten cities in California where crime rates are notably higher than the national average. From Oakland, the state's robbery and car theft capital, to cities like Berkeley, San Francisco, and Santa Monica, where residents face elevated risks of violent and property crimes, we explore the challenges these communities face. Whether it's navigating through high robbery rates or staying vigilant against property crimes, the residents in these cities must remain aware of their surroundings to ensure personal safety. Join us as we uncover the crime statistics and shed light on the socio-economic factors contributing to these alarming crime rates.

1. Oakland: The Robbery and Car Theft Capital

Oakland, California, earns the dubious titles of both the robbery and car theft capital of the state, with 2,479 robberies and 6,712 car thefts reported annually. Crime statistics in Oakland demand attention, with residents facing a 1 in 75 chance of experiencing violent crime in a year. Additionally, there's a 1 in 19 chance of falling victim to property crime, necessitating constant vigilance. The city reported 2,479 robberies, part of the 5,653 violent crimes in a year, which also included 102 murders. With a 14.6% poverty rate and a 6% unemployment rate, Oakland's overall crime rate stands 175% higher than the national average.

2. Berkeley: The Larceny Capital with Violent Crime Concerns

Berkeley, California, claims the unenviable title of the larceny capital of the state, with 3,933 reported larcenies annually. Like several cities on this list, Berkeley grapples with a significant violent crime problem, with residents facing a 1 in 229 chance of violent assault. This statistic encompasses robbery and murder rates. Berkeley ranks second highest in property crime, where there's a 1 in 22 chance of experiencing larceny, car theft, or arson. Residents must remain vigilant by securing their homes and personal belongings. The city reported 537 violent crimes, including 274 robberies and 6 murders. With a 17.8% poverty rate and a 5.2% unemployment rate, Berkeley's overall crime rate exceeds the national average by 112%.

3. San Francisco: The City with High Violent Crime Rates

Crime statistics in San Francisco are alarming, with residents facing a 1 in 182 chance of falling victim to violent crime in a year. Additionally, there's a 1 in 23 chance of property crime, including the state's third-highest burglary rate, necessitating investment in robust security systems. San Francisco contends with high robbery and murder rates, driving residents to invest in alarms and doorbell cameras. In a city with 874,784 residents, there were 2,388 robberies and 25,319 larcenies reported annually. Despite a 10.1% poverty rate and a 4.7% unemployment rate, San Francisco's overall crime rate stands 111% higher than the national average.

4. Santa Monica: High Violent Crime with Property Crime Concerns

Santa Monica, California, faces a significant violent crime problem, with residents having a 1 in 169 chance of being assaulted, robbed, raped, or murdered. This underscores the importance of personal safety, especially when visiting parks, and the need to secure belongings with a 1 in 24 chance of property crime, which includes burglary, larceny, and car theft. The city reported 541 violent crimes annually, including 167 robberies and 335 assaults. In addition to violent crimes, Santa Monica contends with property crimes, recording 3,852 such incidents annually. With a 10.1% poverty rate and a 6.3% unemployment rate, Santa Monica's overall crime rate exceeds the national average by 107%.

5. Bakersfield: The City with Elevated Murder Rates

Bakersfield, California, has the tenth-highest murder rate in the state, with residents facing a 1 in 189 chance of being the victim of an attack. Caution is essential, particularly after dark. Additionally, there's a 1 in 24 chance of experiencing property crime, emphasizing the need to safeguard personal belongings. The city reported 2,007 violent crimes, including 44 murders and 604 robberies. With a 17.2% poverty rate and a 7.6% unemployment rate, Bakersfield's overall crime rate is 94% higher than the national average.

6. Redding: The City with High Violent and Property Crime Rates

Redding, California, contends with high levels of violent crime, with residents having a 1 in 148 chance of being assaulted, robbed, raped, or murdered. Personal safety remains paramount, particularly in parks, and residents face a 1 in 27 chance of property crime, including burglary, larceny, and car theft. This unfortunate ranking stems from 620 violent crimes and 3,433 property crimes reported annually, including 87 rapes and 2,281 larcenies. In a city with 92,025 residents, Redding's overall crime rate stands 88% higher than the national average, having 16.5% poverty rate and a 6% unemployment rate.

7. San Leandro: A City with Elevated Robbery Rates

San Leandro, California, ranks fourth highest in robbery rates, with residents having a 1 in 196 chance of falling victim to this crime. Caution is warranted, and residents also face a 1 in 26 chance of property crime, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal belongings. The city reported 462 violent crimes, including 260 robberies and 7 murders. San Leandro also contends with car theft, ranking third in the state. With a 9.3% poverty rate and a 5% unemployment rate, the city's overall crime rate is 85% higher than the national average.

8. Vallejo: The City with High Rape and Burglary Rates

Vallejo, California, holds the unfortunate titles of rape and burglary capital of the state, with 134 reported rapes and 1,811 burglaries occurring annually. Violent crime is a significant concern, with 1,212 cases reported, translating to a 1 in 100 chance of being a victim. Additionally, residents face a 1 in 30 chance of property crime, including burglary, larceny, and car theft. These high crime rates result from 1,212 violent crimes and 4,078 property crimes reported annually, including 134 rapes and 1,811 burglaries. With an 11.7% poverty rate and a 7.4% unemployment rate, Vallejo's overall crime rate stands 84% higher than the national average.

9. Richmond: The City with Elevated Assault Rates

Richmond, California, ranks fourth highest in assault rates, with residents facing a 1 in 102 chance of being the victim of this crime. Caution is essential, particularly when out and about. Additionally, residents have a 1 in 30 chance of property crime, necessitating vigilance in safeguarding personal belongings. Richmond reported 767 assaults and 20 murders annually. With a 13.9% poverty rate and a 6.3% unemployment rate, Richmond's overall crime rate is 82% higher than the national average.

10. Stockton: A City with High Violent and Property Crime Rates

Stockton, California, contends with high levels of violent crime, with 4,023 cases reported, resulting in a 1 in 77 chance of being a victim. Residents also face a 1 in 33 chance of robbery or property damage, emphasizing the importance of securing homes. The city ranks as one of the most dangerous places to live in the state, with 4,023 violent crimes reported annually, including 2,869 assaults and 909 robberies. With 16.8% poverty rate and an 8.1% unemployment rate, Stockton's overall crime rate is 82% higher than the national average.

Tags

• California
 
• dangerous cities
 
• crime rates
 
• Oakland
 
• Berkeley
 
• San Francisco
 
• Santa Monica
 
• Bakersfield
 
• Redding
 
• San Leandro
 
• Vallejo
 
• Richmond
 
• Stockton