15 Most Dangerous Cities in California

California is known for some of the most dangerous areas in the United States. Specific cities are on the map, but not for the right reasons. Gang violence, property crimes, and issues with the homeless are the reputations that these places have built, and that people who live in these places and people who visit them have to pay attention to.

When traveling to or thinking about moving to the Golden State, it’s important to know which areas are plagued with crimes so you can stay safe, as well as make an informed choice. Here’s a look at 15 California cities with notably high crime rates.

Oakland

For years, Oakland, just across the bay from San Francisco, has been infamous for its high crime rates. Violent crime and property thefts are a combination that the city has, and some neighborhoods are worse than others. Although crime has been attempted to be curbed, Oakland is still plagued with gang activity and drug crime. The areas more prone to these criminal activities are encouraged to keep a close watch as well as residents and visitors.

Stockton

Gang violence and poverty have been problems for Stockton, which is among the most dangerous cities in California. Shootings, robberies and assaults have long been a feature of violent crime in the city. Public safety has been improved, but crime remains a big issue. This is not an easy place for law enforcement to address ongoing issues, such as homelessness and a high unemployment rate, that make the economic hardships that Stockton faces even tougher.

San Bernardino

Southern California’s San Bernardino has always been known for high crime rates. There is violence about town, especially in poor areas. San Bernardino is also rich in property crimes like theft and burglary. With one of the highest crime rates in California, the city’s rising crime rates have sparked worry among both residents and local authorities because much of the criminal activity is attributed to gang violence.

Compton

Compton is infamous for its history of gang violence and is remembered for its role in hip-hop culture. The city has moved to better public safety — but crime rates are high in some areas. Law enforcement efforts are challenged by the legacy of gang activity, poverty and the lack of job opportunities. People should be wary, particularly when traveling through some areas.

Fresno

Aggravated assaults, robberies and homicides are of special concern in Fresno, which has one of California’s highest violent crime rates. The city has a booming agricultural industry but its socio economic challenges which have an impact in the crime problems. Criminal activity and gang violence tend to be more prevalent in areas struggling with higher poverty rates. Crime in Fresno isn’t something that has been taken care of even despite attempts at consolidating these problems.

Sacramento

The state capital, Sacramento, is often thought of as one of the more dangerous cities in Northern California. Violent crimes (shooting and robberies) and property crimes (car theft) pose a challenge for the city. In particular, many of these crimes tend to be clumped in higher poverty areas. The city is a little better off now with law enforcement and better crime reduction, but the problem of handling criminal activities is still in order.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield is situated in the beating centre of California’s farming nation; in public opinion it’s a locale with a high crime rate, particularly relating to crimes of violence and drug offenses. MUCH of the crime in the area has been fueled by gang activity, particularly in some neighbourhoods. Bakersfield’s poverty rate is significantly high, its economic opportunities are limited, and addressing crime problems is a tough sell.

Riverside

Violent and property crime is very high in Riverside, the Inland Empire region of Southern California. An increase in gang activity and drug related offenses is part of the city’s rising crime rate. And economic difficulties, such as a lack of job opportunities and affordable housing only add to that. Riverside remains one of the most dangerous cities in California, even as law enforcement tries to reduce crime.

Long Beach

Long Beach is a bustling coastal city known for its vibrant culture and stunning waterfront. But it has a serious crime problem, too, with a high rate of gang violence, property crimes and drug offenses. Despite increased police presence and community outreach programs, the city has encountered great trouble trying to trim its crime rate. Some neighborhoods are hit harder than others, so it’s best to know the area you’re in when visiting or living in Long Beach.

Los Angeles

Denizens of the town of stars, known as Los Angeles, unfortunately, suffer from great crime rates in places of the city. In ghetto zones, poverty and gang activity are accompanied by violent crimes such as shootings and assaults. Burglary and car theft are also of concern. Crime remains rampant in big LA; the city continues to patrol and engage in community outreach programs, but the city still ranks amongst the most dangerous in California, especially with its hot spots sprinkled liberally about its vast urban expanse.

Santa Ana

A high crime rate of which auto theft and burglary are the majority of property crime occurs in Santa Ana, a town that’s located in Orange County. Even though violent crime has shrunk in recent years, there are still parts of the city where gang activity and drug offenses help make up a citywide crime problem. Because Santa Ana is in the center of the Los Angeles metro area, crime simply spills over from nearby cities, making things even worse.

Modesto

Another high-crime city battling the issue is Modesto, made in the Central Valley. Gang violence, drug abuse and all kinds of violent crime plague the city. In some neighborhoods, many property crimes, such as auto theft and burglary, also exist. While Modesto has made efforts to make the city safer, a high poverty rate and unemployment rate continues to contribute to crime issues that the city struggles to address effectively.

Palmdale

Violent and property crimes have both increased in recent years in Palmdale, which is part of the Antelope Valley. The city’s high crime rate is also due to gang violence. Although well known for its suburban personality and family-oriented neighborhoods, there are enclaves in Palmdale that suffer from crimes that can pose a danger to those that live and visit there. While law enforcement is still trying to address the root causes of crime in Palmdale, the city is one of the most dangerous areas in California.

Inglewood

For years, Inglewood (just south of Los Angeles) has struggled with violent crime. Some areas are gang activity, shootings and robberies are prevalent and thus the city has a reputation as a dangerous place. The city has done its share to improve safety, and some crime has been reduced, but the city still has challenges. Inglewood’s persistent crime problem is sometimes associated with high poverty rate and few job opportunities in some neighborhoods.

Turlock

In Turlock, also in the Central Valley, property crimes like theft and burglary have gone up, and the city has faced challenges with violent crimes, such as assaults and robberies. Although a smaller city than many on this list, Turlock struggles with many of the same socio-economic challenges as its larger counterparts. The city continues with efforts to improve safety and decrease crime, yet its heightened crime rate also puts it among the most dangerous areas in California.

Visalia

The crime rate in Visalia is above the average when compared to the most populous cities in the United States — in fact, it ranks high concerning property crime. In addition, wars between gangs in the city put them (the residents and visitors) in danger. It’s a smaller city, but its crime problems are exacerbated by socio-economic factors (high poverty rate). Though crime has dropped in some areas, Visalia still has trouble spots concerning crime.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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