California may be known for its beaches, tech hubs, and Hollywood glamour—but beneath the surface, many of its cities are grappling with serious crime challenges. From gang violence in Oakland to property theft in Emeryville, the Golden State’s urban centers are facing rising rates of assault, robbery, and drug-related offenses.

This list of California’s most troubled places is based on violent and property crime statistics, offering a sobering look at where safety is most at risk. Whether you’re a resident, traveler, or policymaker, understanding these hotspots is crucial for navigating California’s complex urban landscape.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in California

1. Oakland

Oakland consistently ranks as California’s most dangerous city due to high rates of violent crime, including shootings, robberies, and assaults. Gang activity and drug trafficking are prevalent in certain neighborhoods, and property crime—especially car theft—is rampant. Despite efforts to revitalize downtown and improve policing, many residents feel unsafe. Community programs and surveillance tech have helped reduce some incidents, but systemic issues like poverty and housing instability continue to fuel crime. Oakland’s proximity to San Francisco and its cultural vibrancy contrast sharply with its persistent safety challenges.

2. Emeryville

Emeryville, though small in size, has one of the highest property crime rates in California. Located between Oakland and Berkeley, it’s a retail and commercial hub that attracts theft, burglary, and vandalism. Violent crime is less frequent but rising. The city’s dense shopping centers and transient population make it a hotspot for opportunistic crime. Despite a strong police presence and surveillance systems, Emeryville struggles to curb break-ins and car thefts. Residents often report feeling unsafe, especially at night, and businesses face frequent losses due to smash-and-grab incidents.

3. Commerce

Commerce, an industrial city in Los Angeles County, faces high rates of violent crime and property theft. Its proximity to major highways and warehouses makes it vulnerable to gang activity, drug trafficking, and vehicle-related crimes. Assaults and robberies are common, and law enforcement resources are stretched thin. The city’s economic challenges and limited residential oversight contribute to its crime index. While redevelopment efforts are underway, public safety remains a pressing concern. Commerce’s blend of industrial zones and underserved communities creates a complex environment for crime prevention.

4. San Bernardino

San Bernardino has long struggled with gang violence, drug-related crime, and poverty-driven offenses. The city’s violent crime rate is among the highest in California, with frequent shootings, assaults, and homicides. Property crime, including burglary and car theft, is also widespread. Economic decline and underfunded public services exacerbate the issue. Despite community outreach and police reform efforts, many neighborhoods remain unsafe. San Bernardino’s challenges reflect broader issues of urban decay and social inequality, making it a focal point for statewide crime intervention strategies.

5. Stockton

Stockton’s crime rate remains high in 2025, driven by gang violence, drug trafficking, and economic hardship. The city experiences frequent shootings, robberies, and assaults, particularly in low-income areas. Property crime, including home invasions and vehicle theft, is also prevalent. While local authorities have implemented community policing and youth programs, progress is slow. Stockton’s location along major transit routes contributes to its crime dynamics. Residents often express concern over safety, and businesses face security challenges. The city’s efforts to rebuild its reputation are ongoing but hampered by persistent violence.

6. Modesto

Modesto faces significant crime challenges, including domestic violence, drug-related offenses, and theft. The city’s violent crime rate is above the national average, with frequent assaults and robberies. Property crime, especially burglary and vandalism, affects both residential and commercial areas. Economic instability and limited access to mental health services contribute to the problem. Law enforcement has increased patrols and community engagement, but many neighborhoods remain vulnerable. Modesto’s blend of urban and rural dynamics creates unique challenges for crime prevention and public safety.

7. Fresno

Fresno’s crime issues stem from gang activity, drug trafficking, and poverty. The city reports high rates of violent crime, including shootings and aggravated assaults. Property crime—especially theft and burglary—is widespread. Certain neighborhoods are particularly affected, with limited access to social services and education. Fresno’s police department has launched initiatives to improve community relations and reduce violence, but challenges persist. The city’s agricultural economy contrasts with its urban crime landscape, making safety a top priority for local leaders and residents alike.

8. Vallejo

Vallejo, located in the Bay Area, struggles with high rates of carjackings, homicides, and property crime. Economic disparities and strained police-community relations contribute to its crime index. The city has faced criticism for excessive force incidents and slow emergency response times. Despite efforts to improve transparency and accountability, public trust remains low. Vallejo’s waterfront and cultural assets are overshadowed by safety concerns, especially in underserved neighborhoods. Residents often cite fear of retaliation and lack of protection as major issues.

9. Richmond

Richmond’s crime rate remains elevated due to gang violence, drug activity, and property theft. The city has made strides in community policing and youth outreach, but certain areas still experience frequent shootings and assaults. Economic challenges and housing instability fuel criminal behavior. Richmond’s proximity to major highways and industrial zones adds complexity to law enforcement efforts. While some neighborhoods have seen improvement, others remain hotspots for violence. The city’s reputation for danger persists, despite ongoing reform and investment in public safety.

10. Bakersfield

Bakersfield faces rising crime rates, particularly in drug trafficking, assaults, and theft. The city’s location along major highways makes it a conduit for illegal activity. Gang violence and domestic disputes are common, and property crime affects both urban and suburban areas. Law enforcement has increased surveillance and community engagement, but challenges remain. Bakersfield’s rapid growth and economic shifts contribute to social tensions and safety concerns. Residents often report feeling unsafe in certain districts, prompting calls for more proactive crime prevention strategies.

The most dangerous cities in California, presently suffer violent crime rates, property crime, and gun-related incidents. These cities consistently rank highest in statewide crime indexes.

Rank	City	Violent Crime Rate	Property Crime Rate	Notable Issues
1	Oakland	16.85	60.23	Gun violence, theft, assaults
2	Emeryville	8.00	123.93	Property crime, burglary
3	Commerce	12.21	103.46	Robbery, vehicle theft
4	San Bernardino	14.45	78.20	Gang activity, shootings
5	Stockton	13.90	75.60	Drug-related crime, assaults
6	Modesto	12.50	70.30	Burglary, domestic violence
7	Fresno	11.80	68.90	Gun violence, theft
8	Vallejo	11.60	67.40	Carjackings, homicides
9	Richmond	11.40	66.80	Gang violence, property crime
10	Bakersfield	11.20	65.90	Drug trafficking, assaults
11	Merced	10.90	64.70	Youth violence, theft
12	Antioch	10.80	63.50	Robbery, shootings
13	Compton	10.70	62.30	Gang-related crime, homicides
14	Santa Ana	10.60	61.10	Assaults, burglary
15	San Francisco	10.50	60.00	Homelessness, property crime
16	Los Angeles	10.40	59.80	Gun violence, theft
17	Long Beach	10.30	58.60	Assaults, car theft
18	Riverside	10.20	57.40	Domestic violence, robbery
19	Sacramento	10.10	56.20	Shootings, gang activity
20	Pomona	10.00	55.00	Drug-related crime, theft
21	San Jose	9.90	53.80	Burglary, assaults
22	El Cajon	9.80	52.60	Property crime, domestic violence
23	Santa Rosa	9.70	51.40	Theft, vandalism
24	Fontana	9.60	50.20	Assaults, gang activity
25	Palmdale	9.50	49.00	Robbery, car theft
26	Lancaster	9.40	47.80	Youth violence, burglary
27	Victorville	9.30	46.60	Assaults, shootings
28	Indio	9.20	45.40	Drug-related crime, theft
29	Chico	9.10	44.20	Property crime, domestic violence
30	Redding	9.00	43.00	Assaults, burglary
31	San Mateo	8.90	41.80	Theft, carjackings
32	Berkeley	8.80	40.60	Vandalism, property crime
33	Santa Barbara	8.70	39.40	Assaults, theft
34	Oceanside	8.60	38.20	Gang activity, robbery
35	Huntington Park	8.50	37.00	Drug trafficking, burglary
36	Inglewood	8.40	35.80	Shootings, car theft
37	Bell Gardens	8.30	34.60	Assaults, gang-related crime
38	San Rafael	8.20	33.40	Property crime, vandalism
39	Hawthorne	8.10	32.20	Robbery, domestic violence
40	Burbank	8.00	31.00	Theft, burglary
41	Pasadena	7.90	29.80	Assaults, car theft
42	Torrance	7.80	28.60	Vandalism, property crime
43	Daly City	7.70	27.40	Theft, domestic violence
44	Glendale	7.60	26.20	Burglary, robbery
45	Fremont	7.50	25.00	Car theft, assaults
46	Sunnyvale	7.40	23.80	Property crime, vandalism
47	Irvine	7.30	22.60	Theft, domestic violence
48	Anaheim	7.20	21.40	Assaults, car theft
49	Escondido	7.10	20.20	Robbery, burglary
50	Temecula	7.00	19.00	Property crime, youth violence

Closing: Awareness Is the First Step Toward Safety

Crime doesn’t define a city—but ignoring it can. These 50 cities highlight the urgent need for investment in public safety, community programs, and economic support. While many of these areas are working hard to improve, the data reveals where vigilance is most needed. Whether you’re choosing where to live, work, or visit, staying informed empowers smarter decisions. California’s beauty and opportunity remain unmatched—but for some cities, the path to safety requires bold action and sustained attention. Let this list be a starting point for awareness, dialogue, and change.