California is a state of contrasts, with stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and booming economy. However, not all parts of the Golden State are safe and peaceful. According to the latest FBI data, some cities in California have high rates of violent and property crimes, making them among the most dangerous places in the country.
What are the most dangerous cities in California?
The FBI defines violent crimes as murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Based on these categories, the FBI compiles annual statistics on crime rates for cities and towns with a population of at least 2,500.
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the most dangerous city in California in 2020 was Emeryville, a small city in Alameda County with a population of 12,104. Emeryville had a violent crime rate of 1,580.4 per 100,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 11,528.1 per 100,000 residents. These numbers are significantly higher than the state averages of 441.2 and 2,081.6, respectively.
Emeryville is followed by Oakland, another city in Alameda County, with a population of 433,031. Oakland had a violent crime rate of 1,273.1 per 100,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 5,390.5 per 100,000 residents in 20201. Oakland has been struggling with crime for decades, and has been ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the nation by various sources.
Other cities that made the top 10 list of the most dangerous cities in California are Commerce, Red Bluff, Barstow, West Hollywood, San Bernardino, Santa Monica, Signal Hill, and Eureka. These cities have varying sizes, locations, and demographics, but they share some common factors that contribute to their high crime rates, such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, gang activity, and lack of law enforcement resources.
How to stay safe in California?
While some cities in California have high crime rates, it does not mean that the entire state is unsafe. In fact, there are many cities and towns in California that have low crime rates and offer a high quality of life. For example, Irvine, Danville, Rancho Santa Margarita, Yorba Linda, and Murrieta are some of the safest cities in California, according to the FBI data.
If you plan to visit or live in California, it is important to do some research on the crime situation of the area you are interested in. You can use online tools such as the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the Neighborhood Scout, or the SafeWise to compare crime rates and trends across different cities and neighborhoods .
Additionally, you can take some common-sense precautions to protect yourself and your property from crime, such as:
- Locking your doors and windows, and securing your valuables
- Avoiding walking alone at night, or in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas
- Being aware of your surroundings, and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities
- Having a reliable emergency contact, and a plan in case of an emergency
- Following the local laws and regulations, and respecting the local culture and customs
Conclusion
California is a diverse and dynamic state that offers many opportunities and attractions for visitors and residents alike. However, not all parts of the state are equally safe, and some cities have high rates of violent and property crimes that make them among the most dangerous places in the country. By doing some research, and taking some preventive measures, you can enjoy the best of California while staying safe and secure.