California is a place of contrasts, with spectacular natural beauty, rich culture, and a thriving economy. However, not all areas of the Golden State are secure and quiet. According to the most recent FBI data, several communities in California have high rates of violent and property crimes, ranking among the most hazardous in the country.
Which Are the Most Dangerous Cities in California?
Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault are all considered violent crimes according to the FBI. Burglary, larceny theft, car theft, and arson are all examples of property crimes. Based on these categories, the FBI publishes yearly crime rates for cities and towns with a population of at least 2,500.
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the most hazardous city in California in 2020 was Emeryville, a tiny town in Alameda County with a population of 12,104. Emeryville’s violent crime rate was 1,580.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, while its property crime rate was 11,528.1 per 100,000 persons. These figures are far higher than the state averages of 441.2 and 2,081.6, respectively.
Emeryville is followed by Oakland, a city in Alameda County that has a population of 433,031. In 2020, Oakland’s violent crime rate was 1,273.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, while its property crime rate was 5,390.5 per 100,000 persons. Oakland has been plagued by crime for decades and has been recognized as one of the most dangerous cities in the country by several publications.
Commerce, Red Bluff, Barstow, West Hollywood, San Bernardino, Santa Monica, Signal Hill, and Eureka are among the top ten most dangerous cities in California. These cities differ in size, geography, and demography, but they all share certain similar elements that contribute to their high crime rates, including poverty, unemployment, drug misuse, gang involvement, and a lack of law enforcement resources.
How to Stay Safe in California?
While many cities in California have high crime rates, this does not imply that the entire state is unsafe. In truth, many cities and towns in California have low crime rates and provide a good standard of living. Irvine, Danville, Rancho Santa Margarita, Yorba Linda, and Murrieta are among the safest cities in California, according to FBI data.
If you want to visit or reside in California, you should conduct some research on the crime rate in the region you are interested in. To compare crime rates and trends among cities and communities, utilize online resources such as the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the Neighborhood Scout, or the SafeWise app.
Furthermore, you may take certain commonsense steps to protect yourself and your property against crime, such as:
- Locking your doors and windows and protecting your possessions
- Avoid going alone at night or in unfamiliar or dimly lit locations.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and report any suspicious activities to the police.
- Having a trustworthy emergency contact, as well as an emergency plan.
- Respecting local culture and customs while adhering to local laws and regulations.
Conclusion
According to FBI statistics, California has problems with high crime rates in some places, even though the state has a lot to offer. There is a lot of crime in places like Emeryville and Oakland, but there are also safe places in California like Irvine and Rancho Santa Margarita.
People who are visiting or living in California should look into the crime numbers in their area, stay educated, and take practical safety precautions to make sure they have a safe and enjoyable time there.