California is known for its sunny weather, diverse culture, and scenic attractions. But not all places in the Golden State are equally safe and peaceful. According to a list compiled by U.S. News & World Report, based on the number of murders and property-related crimes that occurred between 2022 and 2023, four California destinations ranked among the top 25 most dangerous towns in the US. Here are the four Cities and what makes them risky for visitors and residents alike.
Bakersfield
Bakersfield is the fourth most dangerous Cities in the US, and the most dangerous in California. Located in the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield has a 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. Some of the factors that contribute to the crime problem in Bakersfield are poverty, unemployment, gang activity, and drug trafficking.
Stockton
Stockton is the 12th most dangerous Cities in the US, and the second most dangerous in California. Situated on the San Joaquin River, Stockton is a port city with a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage.
However, it also suffers from social and economic challenges, such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and low educational attainment. These issues fuel 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 is the 17th most dangerous Cities in the US, and the third most dangerous in California. As the largest city in the Central Valley, Fresno is a major hub for agriculture, education, and commerce.
However, it also faces many urban problems, such as poverty, inequality, segregation, and lack of opportunity. These factors contribute to the high levels of crime in Fresno, which recorded 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 Cities in the US, and the fourth most dangerous in California. As one of the most iconic and popular cities in the world, San Francisco attracts millions of tourists and residents with its landmarks, culture, and innovation.
However, it also has a dark side, with a high rate of property crime, especially theft and burglary. In 2020, San Francisco reported 5,118.9 property crimes per 100,000 people, the highest among the 182 cities ranked by U.S. News & World Report2. San Francisco also had 654.3 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2020.
Conclusion
While California has many appealing destinations for travelers and locals, it also has some of the most dangerous Cities in the country. Bakersfield, Stockton, Fresno, and San Francisco are among the top 25 towns with the highest rates of violent crime and property crime in the US, according to U.S. News & World Report.
These Cities face various social and economic challenges that contribute to their crime problems, such as poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and drug abuse. Visitors and residents of these towns should be aware of the risks and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.