By California is definitely a wonderland to live in the United States and there are many beauty spots that add to its awesome and peaceful picturesque. But since every state has many pros and cons on the basis of the living conditions there, so we need to know about everything about a city before we get ready to move in and face the difficulties.
Like all other states, there are various dangerous cities in California where there are violent crime rates, are less safer places and have poor socio-economic conditions, more poverty rates that are not at all safe for the citizens.
In the Golden State, there are many cheaper and affordable places to retire in California, so before planning to migrate to much cheaper places you need to be carefully aware of the uneasy and dangerous cities.
12 MOST DANGEROUS PLACES IN CALIFORNIA…
So come lets talk about the most dangerous cities;
1.SUSANVILLE
- Population: 16,770
- Violent Crime Rate: 837 violent crimes per 100,000 residents; including murder, rape, assault and theft
- Property Crime Rate: 1369 crimes per 100,000 residents
- Overall Poverty Rate: 18.90%
Susanville was previously known as Rooptown, is a town located on the Lassen County, California, United States. It is also by its nickname of “The Hub of Northeastern California” and earlier this land was renowned for mining, farming industries which had offered many opportunities in the early 1900s.
But in the late 20th century, the industries were closed due to some reasons and the state suffered a lot of economic crises and loss of jobs. Since then the socio-economic conditions have improved but not to a greater extent. Therefore, the poverty rate is comparatively more.
Due to the poor money-making, the youngsters and some of its residents get involved in burglary and robbery to fulfil their needs. There is also poor E-Commerce and has crime rate of around 1311.85 per 100,000 population.
Also there were 36 sex offenders found living in Susanville, California as of September 21,2022 and therefore is categorized as the most dangerous city in California. However the cities of southern California are more dangerous as compared to rest of the cities and so you need to be careful.
This does not mean that people do not live here, the residents are warm welcoming and collaborative and you can a variety of other options for employment.
2.OAKLAND
- Population- 440,046
- Violent crime rate- 1296 crimes per 100,000 population
- Property crime rate- 5210 per 100,000 population
- Poverty rate- 1674 per 100,000 people
Oakland is the largest city mounted in Alameda county and is referred to as the most dangerous city in California. Oakland is a good place to reside and it has a well known trade center around San Francisco bay area and is a growing state of industries with advanced infrastructure, which provide good commerce services to its residents that provides a substantial living standards.
Talking about the safety issues, it is true that more number of theft cases whether it is vehicle theft, robbery or burglary cases have been recorded from the northern California cities and particularly, Oakland.
Though due to its beautiful skies Oakland has been called “bright side of the Bay“, yet due to great hustle and bustle in the town, the prices are highly alarming plus Oakland is also not completely safe.
The overall crime rate has been rising for the past few years in Oakland among which the assault cases on the west coast of Oakland have been allegedly reported by the victim groups. The overall violent crime rates are 1 in 77 cases.
Apart from all these it has a beautiful weather conditions suitable for living in all the seasons, various shopping centers, plenty of restaurants and skillful public transportation system, which makes it a good place to live in. There are many safer areas at Oakland such as Clevel and Heights, Oakland Grand Lake, Rockridge etc.
3.STOCKTON
- Population- 320,804
- Violent crime rate- 1262 crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate- 3082 per 100,000 people
- Poverty rate- 22.4%
Stockton is the 13th largest city in Northern California, situated in San Joaquin county and is a lively place full of younger people. Age groups of mostly 20s to 30s live here making it a place of greater interest with loud music all over, restaurants, good food with a cheerful life.
Stockton is overall a good place for living but due to its high crime rate, reporting of violent crimes or property crimes especially one or the other day, it is among the most dangerous cities in California.
The chances of becoming a victim are quite high that is around 1 in 23, therefore whenever you are going to visit this place or opt it out for living you need to be aware that the chances of getting theft are more here and you need to protect your wallets, passports and handbags, jewellery etc. from robbery and burglary.
As the city is on the Andreas Fault line, the probability of earthquake hitting is more and therefore, Stockton is considered as the earthquake-prone area. The murder rate, rape victims, robbery and aggravated assault that are even more serious than the simple assaults have been rising on the west coast of the city.
The average number of robberies add to the high crime rates in the city and the residents must take steps to feel safe and report the incidents of assaults, murders or rapes if occur around them.
4.SIGNAL HILL
- Population- 11,848
- Violent crime rate- 793 crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate- 6263 per 100,000 people
- Poverty rate- 16.45%
Talking about the most dangerous cities of Southern California, Signal Hill is considered as the most dangerous one among them. The natural beauty and incredible scenic views attract many people to this city and here you are going to see a perfect and remarkable mix of urban as well as the suburban vibes.
The cost of living at Signal Hill is pretty high and you are going to get here everything on high expenses. The city offers quality education and there are various academic institutions. Though the population of Signal Hill is rather small, yet the number of crimes at this place of Southern California are relatively high and residents here always have safety issues.
The average aggregate of murders, robberies, assaults, rapes, theft, burglary etc. in Signal Hill have always been on the top of the news headlines. There are 1 in 14 chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes. The average sum of crimes that have been reported in Signal Hill are 7% more in July 2022 as compared to July 2021.
Signal Hill, city in California is therefore counted in as having one of the highest number of violent crimes or property crimes per 100,000 population and a higher poverty rate.
5.SAN BERNARDINO
- Population- 222,101
- Violent crime rate- 1493 per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate- 2816 per 100,000 people
- Poverty rate- 25.99%
San Bernardino is another dangerous city in California where the crime rate recently has been found 3 times greater than the national average of the state. The possibilities of becoming a victim is around 1 in 86 and theft, burglary in the houses of the residents as well as the private quarters is extremely high and robberies are common at San Bernardino.
The national average rate of violent crimes per 100,000 people in commerce are 999. San Bernardino is a dangerous city among the top most dangerous cities in California as the crime rates in manslaughter, murders, robbery, rapes and sexual as well as mental assaults have risen above the bars in the last one year.
The residents living in San Bernardino are not completely safe and are at risk of getting theft anytime along the day and most of them do not even step out at night because of the safety issues.
The average number of residents that have left San Bernardino has been fairly risen up in the past 5 years. On the one hand where the crime rates majorly the murder and rape cases have gone up, on the other edge, there has been a decline in the rates of property crimes by 34%.
San Bernardino county contributes 13% to the national average commerce of California. Keeping the watch at the rising crime rates, police departments have also been on the rise to maintain the safety of its residents.
Rather San Bernardino on its west side is more a safer place than the dangerous one and provides a homely environment to the residents with a mix of different cultures, variety of cuisines, long beach areas and many more. The residents till now have found several ways of maintaining safety at their houses to prevent any prospects of burglary or robbery.
6.COMPTON CITY
- Population- 222,101
- Violent crime rate- 1493 per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate- 2816 per 100,000 people
- Poverty rate- 25.99%
Compton is a city in California on the south of Los Angeles downtown and is one of the oldest cities of Los Angeles county and is one of the most dangerous cities in California. The unemployment rate of this city is around 6.7% and consists of economically weaker sections of the society and has ethically diverse communities of California.
The west Compton is renowned for gang wars, street wars, violence and west side of this city has higher rates of all such crime rates in California. In the mid 90s, the city had a very high crime rate as compared to the other cities of Los Angeles county, but for the past few years due to establishment of various police headquarters in Compton, the residents have reported that , they have an obvious decline in the violent crimes rates and property crimes rates as well and largely in the rape cases.
There have been reported rapes, murders, robberies, burglary in the city on a regular basis, moreover, sexual assault in households as well in the public and private sectors has also been on a steeper rise. Residents to sex offender ratio in this city was recorded as 364:1.
7.CRESCENT CITY
- Population- 6673
- Violent crime rate- 1199 crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate- 4436 crimes per 100,000 people
- Poverty rate- 4.3%
Crescent city, located in Del Mar county, has been given its name due to the presence of crescent shaped sandy dunes on the south coast of the city. The harbor of crescent city is known for the presence of a number of commercial fishing vessels.
It is also the place for the headquarters of the Redwood National park. The city has a small population and is a home for nature lovers as you can find beautiful sceneries in the city that will leave you awe-struck.
Crescent City has also been considered as one of the most dangerous cities in California and it has been ascribed as the highest crime rate city in the past 4 years because the violent crime cases including assault, rape, robbery, theft and murder have primarily emerged and increased in number from this city. The average number of crime reports by the residents of Crescent City have been commenced that is around 334 crimes in the recent year.
The national average crime rate of the city is around 2,489 per 100,000 people and in addition to this, the probability of becoming a victim is relatively high than the other cities. There are 3 common crimes that are mostly committed that include larceny, burglary and theft of the motor vehicles and these crimes are included under property crimes.
The west part of the city is still safer to live. The more number of complaints were of night burglary which added to the property crime rate in various parts in the city which was approximately 59 break-ins in 2021 or 879 per 100,000 residents.
8.RICHMOND
- Population- 116,448
- Violent crime rate- 926 crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate- 3231 crimes per 100,000 people
- Poverty rate- 14.3%
Richmond, located in Contra Costa County, is one other dangerous cities in California that has experienced an increased crime rate and therefore, it is designated as the worst place to live in California.
While residing in this city you need to be careful regarding your belongings each and every time you step out of your home and to protect yourself from the robbery or theft incidents, you need to carry some pepper spray or other items that can be used if you confront the robbers.
Vehicle theft, mobile theft and chain theft have become very common on the streets of Richmond and besides the increasing crime rates, whether it is the violent crime or property crime, the chances of becoming a victim at night obviously enhance so avoid stepping out in the odd hours. The person who becomes the victim is provided with all the safety by the police headquarters that are located at the usual distances.
The neighboring cities of Richmond have been found safe for living and the residents there are also very cooperative and collaborative. Also the cities provide the residents with the fulfilment of all their basic requirements. It is found that as the violent crime rates keep on increasing commonly in various parts of California, there are still some cities that are free of murder, theft assault and rape cases.
9.EMERYVILLE
- Population- 12,905
- Violent crime rate- 1199 crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate- 4436 crimes per 100,000 people
- Poverty rate- 4.3%
Emeryville is another town which is also one of the most dangerous cities in California that lies in north-west of Alameda county and has a smaller population of around 12,905. Still the rate by which the violent crime and property crime complaints are registered are often more than the national average violent and property crime rates.
Moreover the socio-economic status of Emeryville is also poor which adds on to its higher poverty rate. The national average income of the households is even below the sub-standards. The ratio of impoverished people of becoming a victim is not uncommon and that is why Emeryville is the dangerous city in the national average dangerous cities in California.
The violent crime rates have been rising year by year, except there was a little decline in the property crime rates by 5%. Also Emeryville is near to San Diego, the risk of high murder, rape, robbery cases, mental and verbal assault of the females of poor background are mostly on the verge of becoming a victim.
The sudden break-ins and burglary in the households is also heart-wrenching due to which the suicide rate in Emeryville and San Diego have also been rising to a much extent. The national average expenditure in Economical sector of the city shows more income spent in repenting the losses due to rape, burglary, assault, mobile theft, motor theft and other theft cases cases. The residents’ safety has always been a prior concern for the national and state authorities.
10.BARSTOW
- Population- 25,415
- Violent crime rate- 1082 per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate- 3663 per 100,000 people
- Poverty rate- 34.3%
Barstow has been ranked as the top most dangerous cities in California. As compared to the national average violent crime rate per 100,000 residents and property crime rates per 100,000, the crime rate is 123% higher in Barstow. Barstow is considered as an unsafe place in California due to the involvement of its youngsters in the gang and street fights plus the enhancing drug culture.
The uncouth and unsavory crimes such as assault, rape cases, motor theft, gadgets-theft add to the declining national economy of Barstow. Most of the places in Barstow are not crowded but still the violent crime rates and property crime complaints have been recorded on a regular basis which makes Barstow not a good place for living. You definitely need some company at night if you want to wander in the streets during the night especially.
Other than Barstow, there are COMMERCE and SANTA MONICA in California that are also the dangerous cities.
11.COMMERCE
- Population- 12,378
- Violent crime rate- 1099 per 100,000 population
- Property crime rate- 8669 per 100,000 population
Commerce is a part of Los Angeles and is the third most dangerous city in California, where property crime rate and violent crimes per 100,000 is 1 in 11 cases. Residents are at risk of violent crime such as murder, theft etc. and therefore they always need to carry safety equipments every time they go out.
12.SANTA MONICA:
- Population: 91,600
- Violent crime rates- 119 per 100,000 population
- Property crime rates- 443 per 100,000 population
Santa Monica is a beachfront city that consists of Santa Monica beach located on Palisades Park , which is a renowned beach of Santa Monica. Since the beauty of this city makes it worth-visiting and also the good climate conditions makes the beach the most visited place.
Santa Monica is a good place to live and the crime rate is also less as compared to other cities but still you need to be aware that the murder cases were allegedly recorded the higher in number few years back. Since then it is also included in the cities that may inflict danger to its residents.
It ranked 224 out of 230 cities of California on the basis of its violent crime rates mainly the murder cases and there were 6 violent crimes per 1000 residents and property crime rates of 42 per 100,000 residents according to FBI crime statistics.
So, these were the 9 to 10 most dangerous places in California. California is the pioneer place and the most chosen place for the people to live but before visiting California you need to get a complete knowledge of the most safest and most dangerous places to live. The security checks at every step in the state are well established, still the residents and tourists need to be aware of their own safety measures that they can take while visiting such places.
