The 20 Most Dangerous Cities in California for 2025
California—the Golden State. It’s a land of breathtaking landscapes, pioneering innovation, and Hollywood dreams. But behind the glamour, the state’s vast and diverse cities present a complex picture of public safety. For every idyllic, secure community, there's another facing significant challenges with crime.
Understanding these realities isn’t about fear; it's about awareness. Whether you're planning a move, a visit, or simply want to be more informed about your community, having clear, data-driven insights is crucial.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at public safety in California for 2025. We'll analyze the cities with the highest crime rates, explore the factors behind the numbers, and, importantly, highlight some of the safest places to live in the state.
Our Methodology: How We Ranked These Cities for 2025
To give you the most accurate picture for 2025, this ranking is based on the latest complete, full-year violent crime data available from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and the California Department of Justice. As official data for 2024 will not be fully compiled and released until late 2025, the statistics from 2023 represent the most current and comprehensive dataset for analysis.
We've ranked cities based on the rate of violent crime per 100,000 residents. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
California's 20 Most Dangerous Cities by Violent Crime Rate (2025 Update)
Here are the 20 California cities with the highest rates of violent crime based on the latest available data.
1. Emeryville
Violent Crime Rate: 1,935 per 100,000 residents
The Story Behind the Stats: Emeryville's position at the top may be shocking, but it's a story of statistics. With a very small residential population (around 12,000) and a massive daytime population of shoppers and commuters drawn to its huge retail centers (like Bay Street), even a moderate number of crimes creates a staggering per-capita rate. It has one of the highest rates of both violent and property crime in the nation, driven largely by theft, robbery, and assault within its commercial zones.
2. Oakland
Violent Crime Rate: 1,548 per 100,000 residents
The Story Behind the Stats: Just next door to Emeryville, Oakland continues to struggle with high rates of violent crime, particularly armed robberies, carjackings, and assaults. While the city has vibrant cultural centers and revitalized neighborhoods, persistent issues with organized retail theft and gang activity keep its crime rate significantly above the national average.
3. San Bernardino
Violent Crime Rate: 1,360 per 100,000 residents
The Story Behind the Stats: This Inland Empire hub has long faced challenges tied to economic depression and poverty, which are often correlated with higher crime rates. Gang violence and a high number of aggravated assaults are major contributors to its ranking.
4. Stockton
Violent Crime Rate: 1,280 per 100,000 residents
The Story Behind the Stats: Stockton has made efforts to reduce violence, but it remains one of the state's most dangerous cities. Its history of gang violence, combined with high rates of robbery and property crime, continues to pose a significant challenge for law enforcement and the community.
5. Richmond
Violent Crime Rate: 1,175 per 100,000 residents
The Story Behind the Stats: Located in the East Bay, Richmond has historically dealt with high levels of violence. Although the city has seen some success with community-based violence interruption programs, the rates of assault and robbery remain stubbornly high.
6. Bakersfield: 1,112 per 100,000 residents
7. Vallejo: 1,098 per 100,000 residents
8. Fresno: 1,055 per 100,000 residents
9. Modesto: 994 per 100,000 residents
10. Compton: 989 per 100,000 residents
11. Antioch: 975 per 100,000 residents
12. Inglewood: 960 per 100,000 residents
13. Sacramento: 941 per 100,000 residents
14. Los Angeles: 927 per 100,000 residents
15. Long Beach: 915 per 100,000 residents
16. Berkeley: 911 per 100,000 residents
17. Santa Monica: 904 per 100,000 residents
18. Lancaster: 898 per 100,000 residents
19. Hawthorne: 890 per 100,000 residents
20. San Francisco: 875 per 100,000 residents
A Closer Look: Crime in California's Major Hubs
The Bay Area: The region is a study in contrasts. It's home to Emeryville and Oakland, two of the state's most dangerous cities, as well as some of its safest suburbs. The data highlights that crime is often hyperlocal, with issues like organized retail theft in San Francisco and violent crime in specific East Bay neighborhoods dominating the statistics.
Los Angeles County: LA County contains several cities on this list, including Compton, Inglewood, and Hawthorne. While the city of Los Angeles itself makes the top 20, its rate is lower than many other major US cities. The key takeaway is that crime rates can vary dramatically from one LA-area municipality to another.
The Central Valley: With Stockton, Bakersfield, Fresno, and Modesto all ranking high, the Central Valley faces ongoing challenges with violence often linked to economic hardship and gang activity.
The Other Side of the Coin: California's Safest Cities for 2025
For every city facing challenges, there are many that boast exceptionally low crime rates and a strong sense of community. If safety is your top priority, these cities are stellar examples of public security in the Golden State.
Based on the latest data analysis from outlets like SafeWise, some of the safest cities in California for 2025 include:
Rancho Santa Margarita
Aliso Viejo
Yorba Linda
Danville
Laguna Niguel
Once again, many of the state's safest communities are located in Orange County and the affluent suburbs of the Bay Area, known for their well-funded public services and strong community engagement.
Beyond the Numbers: What to Consider
While violent crime rates are a significant indicator, a comprehensive safety assessment should consider other factors:
Property Crime Rates: Look at burglary, theft, and vandalism rates to get a fuller picture.
Neighborhood Specificity: Crime rates can vary within a city itself. Research specific neighborhoods you're interested in.
Crime Trends: Understanding if crime is rising or falling in an area can be crucial.
Proactive Steps to Enhance Your Safety in California
While statistics provide a guide, true safety begins with the proactive steps you take every day.
Stay Aware and Trust Your Gut: The most powerful safety tool you have is your own intuition. Avoid distractions like your phone in unfamiliar areas, and if a situation feels wrong, leave immediately.
Secure Your Vehicle: Always lock your car and keep valuables out of sight. Park in well-lit, busy areas, especially in cities with high rates of vehicle break-ins like those in the Bay Area.
Deter Porch Pirates: Package theft is rampant statewide. A visible Kangaroo Video Doorbell not only notifies you of deliveries but acts as a powerful deterrent, letting potential thieves know they're on camera.
Fortify Your Home: Don't make your home an easy target.
Smart Lighting: Motion-activated outdoor lights can startle potential intruders.
Sensors: Kangaroo Motion + Entry Sensors provide an affordable way to know immediately if a door or window is breached.
Visible Cameras: Placing Kangaroo Indoor/Outdoor Cameras overlooking key entry points is one of the most effective ways to deter burglars.
Build a Community: Get to know your neighbors. A connected neighborhood where people look out for one another is a natural crime deterrent. Consider joining a local Neighborhood Watch program.
Smart Home Security Systems for Added Protection:
Technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing home security. Smart home security systems offer features like:
Remote Monitoring: Keep an eye on your property from anywhere with live video feeds and mobile app alerts.
Motion Sensors and Door/Window Sensors: Receive alerts if unauthorized entry is detected.
Smart Locks: Lock and unlock doors remotely for added convenience and security.
Smart Video Doorbells: See who's at your door before answering, deterring unwanted visitors.
Kangaroo Home Security: A User-Friendly Option
One popular option for Californians is Kangaroo Home Security. Kangaroo offers a variety of user-friendly security solutions, including:
Kangaroo Doorbell Camera: See, hear, and speak to visitors at your door in real-time with two-way talk functionality.
Kangaroo Indoor/Outdoor Cameras: Monitor activity inside and outside your home with wide-angle views and night vision.
Kangaroo Motion Detectors: Receive alerts if motion is detected when your system is armed.
Easy DIY Installation: No need for complex wiring or professional installation.
Kangaroo Internal Data
Kangaroo's data sheds light on where Package Theft and Property Crimes are most prevalent in California:
At Kangaroo, we're committed to making sure your packages are as safe as kangaroos' joeys in their pouches. That's why we've crunched the numbers to give you a sneak peek into the package theft landscape across California from 2020 to 2024.
Los Angeles, San Diego, Victorville, Sacramento, and San Francisco, we're looking at you. These cities are where the action is, and by action, we mean package theft claims. The numbers vary, but one thing's for sure: porch pirates are out there, and they're not just in the movies. We've got the data, and we're here to help. Whether you're in the City of Angels or by the bay in San Francisco, it's time to hop to it and protect what's yours.
Our data reveals an interesting trend: Los Angeles and Modesto share the unfortunate distinction of having the highest percentage of property damage claims in California, each accounting for 30% of reported incidents. Bakersfield and Irvine also experience a significant share, with 20% each. This underscores the importance of securing your property, no matter where you live in the Golden State.
Safety Starts with Awareness
Knowledge is power. By familiarizing yourself with crime rates and safety resources, you can make informed decisions. Remember, many California cities offer vibrant communities with strong safety initiatives. Research is key!
Do you have any safety tips to share about living in California? Share them in the comments below!
Q&A: Safety in California
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Based on the violent crime rate per 100,000 people, Emeryville ranks as the most dangerous city. However, it's important to understand the context: its small residential population and massive commercial district skew the per-capita stats. For major cities, Oakland, San Bernardino, and Stockton consistently show the highest levels of violent crime.
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Absolutely. California has many cities that are exceptionally safe. For 2025, communities like Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, and Danville are ranked among the safest in the entire country due to their very low crime rates. Safety often comes down to researching specific cities and neighborhoods rather than judging the state as a whole
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This is usually due to a high "daytime population." Cities with major shopping centers, tourist attractions, or office complexes attract a large number of non-residents. Crimes committed in these commercial areas are counted against the small number of permanent residents, which inflates the per-capita crime rate and can make a city's ranking seem disproportionately high.
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Yes, this is a critical point. Crime is almost always "hyperlocal." Even within a city with a high overall crime rate like Oakland or Los Angeles, there can be very safe, quiet neighborhoods located just miles from high-crime hotspots. That's why looking at a neighborhood-specific crime map is one of the most important steps before you move to a new area.
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This is a very common concern, as property crime affects far more people. Cities with high commercial traffic and tourism, like San Francisco and Los Angeles, are notorious for property crime. Even in "safe" suburbs, package theft is a growing problem. The first line of defense is always visibility and deterrence.
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The single most effective first step is to secure your front door, which is the most common entry point for both burglars and package thieves. Installing a visible deterrent like the Kangaroo Video Doorbell sends a clear message that your home is monitored. It’s an affordable, easy-to-install solution that provides immediate peace of mind and protection against the most common
Worried about doorbell camera privacy? Ask these 5 crucial questions before buying to ensure your smart home stays secure. Learn how Kangaroo protects your data!