The United States Census Bureau indicates that the population of California was 39.51 million in 2019.
According to PPIC, there is an increase in crime rates in California with homicide continuing to rise.
Data were obtained for the year 2020 as there was still little to no data available for 2021.
Looking at data from some of the major cities in California, there is an alarming increase in violent and property crimes, which were up 17% in 2021 to indicate 4.4 violent crime incidents per 1,000 people.
The site goes on to detail that homicide and aggravated assault were up 0.5% to 428 per 100,000 in this state during 2020.
Furthermore, the site states that there is a trend in which areas are more affected by crime.
For example, the southern coast and border experienced lower crime levels while the Sierra region showed the lowest crime rate in the state with statistics pointing to 1,510 per 100,000 residents.
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10 Safest Cities in California
According to CalliforniaCityNews, the following ten cities are the safest cities in California with an average to an excellent standard of living based on FBI crime statistics.
1. Danville
Danville is more of a town than a city and it is located in the San Ramon Valley in Contra Costa County, California.
Pleasantonweekly states that Danville has been awarded the safest community in California four years in a row as of 2021.
The city has a population of 44,800 and a median salary of $160,808.
The site explains that Danville has a violent crime rate of 0.5 occurrences per 1,000 residents.
In addition, the city saw a property crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents for the same period in 2020.
This has been reported as a very safe city that is both inclusive and fun to live in.
2. Rancho Santa Margarita
The second position is taken by Rancho Santa Margarita with a population of 47,894 and a median income of 47,894 which is located in Orange County, California.
The city saw a decrease in violent crime from 2020 to 2022.
In 2020 there were approximately 0.9 occurrences per 1,000 residents, while in 2022 there were 0.4 occurrences per 1,000 residents.
In terms of property crime in the area, there was another decline from 2020 to 2022.
In 2020 there were 6.5 occurrences per 1,000 residents and in 2022 there were 5.9 occurrences per 1,000 residents, which demonstrates a decline.
The city is known for its crime-fighting strategy as well as the desire to maintain a sense of community.
3. Moorpark
Moorpark is a city located in Ventura County in Southern California.
Moorpark has taken the third position as one of the safest cities in California.
The city has a population of 36,573 with a median income of $107,820.
From 2020 to 2022, the city has seen a decline in both violent crimes as well as property crimes.
Violent crime stood at 0.8 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 and came down to 0.5 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
For the same period, property crime went down from 7.0 occurrences per 1,000 residents to 6.2 occurrences per 1,000 residents.
These figures indicate a relatively low crime rate that seems to keep declining.
The city is applauded as having the lowest number of serious crimes committed for a city of its size.
4. Aliso Viejo
This city is located in the San Joaquin Hills of southern Orange County, California.
The city has a population of 51,244 with a median salary of $112,689.
The city saw a decrease in violent crime and property crime over a three-year period from 2020 to 2022.
Violent crime was 0.8 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 and 0.5 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
Property crime was 8.5 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 and 7.6 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
This demonstrates not only a reduction in crime but also a reduction in serious crime.
This city is known as an extremely ethnically-diverse city that is relatively wealthy in comparison to other cities in the state as well as the country.
5. Yorba Linda
The city is located in northeastern Orange County, California with a population of 68,017 and a median salary of $129,995.
It is known as the “Land of Gracious Living”.
Apart from having relatively low crime stats, the city boasted a reduction in crime over a three-year period from 2020 to 2022.
Violent crime was 0.6 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 and 0.5 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
Property crime was 11.8 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 and 8.4 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
This city is known for offering residents a sparse suburban feel where most residents of the city are homeowners as opposed to renters.
What makes this city so special is the work-life balance with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks to visit.
This city has a strong sense of community coupled with a small-town character.
6. Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel is situated in Orange County, California, and has a population of 66,759 with a median salary of $108,537.
The city is well known throughout the Orange County area as having an extensive park and trail system.
The city was measured over a three-year period and stats indicate that violent crime was cut down to half over this period, while property crime saw a relative decrease.
Violent crime was 1.2 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 to 0.6 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
Property crime was from 9.6 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 to 8.7 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
The city offers residents a dense suburban feel and most of the residents are homeowners as opposed to renters.
7. Poway
Poway is located in San Diego County, California, and has a population of 49,479.
The median salary is $107,902.
While there was not a serious reduction in either violent or property crime, there was a decline, nonetheless.
Statistics indicate that this is a fairly safe city to live in comparison to other cities in the state.
Violent crime went from 1.3 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 to 1.1 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
Property crime went from 10.1 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 to 7.4 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
The city is home to many families and young professionals.
In addition, the city has a lot of coffee shops and parks, which makes it a very family-friendly city.
8. Mission Viejo
This commuter city is located in Orange County, California.
The population is 94,513 and the city has a median salary of $118,477.
This city saw a decrease in crime over the same three-year period.
Violent crime went from 1.2 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 to 0.8 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
Property crime went from 9.7 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 to 9.0 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
This city is ideal for family living and features one of the country’s largest master-planned communities.
In addition, apart from the low crime rates, the city boasts several majestic golf courses, restaurants, abundant parks, and cultural attractions.
9. Rancho Palos Verdes
This coastal city is located in Los Angeles County, California, and has a population of 41,513 with a median salary of $138,557.
There was actually an increase in violent crime from 2020 to 2022 but a decrease in property crime over the same period.
Violent crime went from 0.8 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 to 1.0 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
Property crime went from 9.2 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 to 8.1 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
This small town is known for its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, famous golf courses, as well as majestic beaches.
This affluent suburb is located on the bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the Palos Verdes Hills.
10. Thousand Oaks
This city is the second-largest city in Ventura County, California.
It has a population of 126,823 with a median salary of $109,378.
Over the period from 2020 to 2022, the city saw a rather substantial decrease in violent crime and a minor decrease in property crime.
Violent crime went from 1.0 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 to 0.6 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
Property crime went from 11.4 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2020 to 10.4 occurrences per 1,000 residents in 2022.
What makes this city so special and such an attraction for prospective homeowners is the 75 miles of trails and 15,000 acres of natural open space.
This city sits at number 7 in the top ten wealthiest cities in California.
It is a vibrant and prosperous city that is ideal for starting a family.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to California
Traveling to the state of California may be a very exciting trip but travelers must heed these five safety tips before traveling.
Stay alert
California is known for criminal activity and other petty crimes.
Always stay aware, alert, and informed about your surroundings.
Avoid flaunting
Avoid attracting the wrong attention by flaunting things like expensive jewelry, cell phones, and other valuable items.
It may be best to keep them safely locked away while you are out and about.
Stay in well-lit areas
Whether you are walking at night or parking your car, avoid dark areas and always stay in well-lit areas to prevent becoming another victim of crime.
Know the law
The law is different from one state to another.
For example, jaywalking in California is a fineable offense.
Always cross a street at designated crosswalks.
Place your bag in front of you
When dining in a restaurant or other venue, always be mindful of where you place your bag.
Avoid placing bags over the chair and place them in front of you instead.
California Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: California Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dangerous city in California?
Stockton and Oakland are two of the most dangerous cities in California.
What is the most common type of crime in California?
Aggravated assault is by far the most common crime in California.
Is living in California expensive?
Yes.
The average city in California has a 38% higher cost of living than any other average city in the US.
I tell you who you are not safe from – the police!
I live in my car, and I was busted for “open liquor” while parking.
My car is my home, I’m sure you have liquor in your home, cops pull you over in your house, how is that open liquor?
Based on the information provided, it seems that California is experiencing an increase in crime rates, particularly in violent and property crimes. This is concerning and indicates a need for increased safety measures and law enforcement efforts.
Safety is a key feature of Thousand Oaks. The city’s low crime rates, excellent schools, and suburban charm make it a top choice for those who seek a secure and family-friendly environment.
I visited Sunnyvale recently, and its reputation for safety held true. The city’s diverse community and public spaces create a welcoming start for residents and visitors alike.
Palo Alto is not just a tech hub but also known for its safety. The city’s high income levels contribute to a low crime rate, making it a secure and upscale destination.