California is renowned for its sunny weather, diverse culture, and stunning attractions. However, not all areas in the Golden State offer the same level of safety and tranquility. According to a list compiled by U.S. News & World Report, which evaluated murders and property-related crimes between 2022 and 2023, four California cities ranked among the top 25 most dangerous towns in the United States. Here are the four cities and the reasons why they pose risks to both visitors and residents.
Bakersfield
Bakersfield ranks as the fourth most dangerous city in the U.S. and the most dangerous in California. Nestled in the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield is known for its history of oil production, agriculture, and country music. However, it also has a high rate of violent crime, with 1,298.3 incidents per 100,000 people in 2020. Contributing factors include poverty, unemployment, gang activity, and drug trafficking.
Stockton
Stockton is the 12th most dangerous city in the U.S. and the second most dangerous in California. Located on the San Joaquin River, Stockton is a port city with a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage. Despite this, it struggles with social and economic challenges such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and low educational attainment. These issues drive the high rates of violent crime and property crime in Stockton, which were 1,065.8 and 3,387.8 per 100,000 people, respectively, in 2020.
Fresno
Fresno ranks as the 17th most dangerous city in the U.S. and the third most dangerous in California. As the largest city in the Central Valley, Fresno serves as a major hub for agriculture, education, and commerce. Yet, it faces numerous urban challenges, including poverty, inequality, segregation, and a lack of opportunities.
These factors contribute to the elevated crime levels in Fresno, which saw 797.1 violent crimes and 2,314.8 property crimes per 100,000 people in 2020.
San Francisco
San Francisco is the 20th most dangerous city in the U.S. and the fourth most dangerous in California. As one of the world’s most iconic and popular cities, San Francisco draws millions of tourists and residents with its landmarks, culture, and innovation.
However, it also has a significant property crime problem, particularly in theft and burglary. In 2020, San Francisco recorded 5,118.9 property crimes per 100,000 people, the highest among the 182 cities ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the city reported 654.3 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2020.
Conclusion
While California boasts many attractive destinations for travelers and residents alike, it also contains some of the most dangerous cities in the nation. Bakersfield, Stockton, Fresno, and San Francisco are among the top 25 towns with the highest rates of violent and property crimes in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report.
These cities face significant social and economic challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and drug abuse, that contribute to their crime issues. Visitors and residents should be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their belongings.