This Is the Most Dangerous City in California

As a result of shootings as well as other violent crimes, some Californian communities are frequently in the headlines. The largest cities in the state, such as Los Angeles and San Diego, may seem to be the most dangerous to live in.  

It may surprise you that small towns in California have a higher crime rate than larger cities like San Francisco. Stockton, CA is the most dangerous city in the state. Overall, the Golden State is picturesque and is a beautiful place to call home. 

With that being said, today we’re looking at what makes Stockton more dangerous than other places throughout this popular state. 

Facts That Determine The Most Dangerous City in California 

Numerous variables contribute to an increase in violent crime in a community. The number of residents and the level of urbanization are a couple of the variables that affect the amount and sort of crime. 

Variables regarding population composition, especially the distribution of youth, also have a part. Violent crime in a specific location is determined by the reliability of the population in terms of residents, accessibility, commuting trends, and temporary variables. 

The availability of jobs, the level of poverty, and other economic factors can have a significant impact on a city’s crime rate. Law enforcement administration, investigative significance, and policies of other criminal justice system elements all play a part. 

Violent Crimes in Stockton, CA

With a population of 313,604, Stockton recorded 4,380 violent crimes. Stockton has a violent crime rate of 1,397 per 100,000 residents. In Stockton, there are roughly 34 homicides, 181 rapes, 1,158 robberies, and 3,007 violent assaults per year.

The safest neighborhoods within Stockton are:

1. Morada
2. Mist Trail Dr / Abruzzi Cir
3. Gillis / Holt
4. Astoria / Trinity
5. Waterloo
6. Brookside
7. Northbrook / Villa Antinori Estates
8. Erickson Cir / Broderick Way
9. Chantelane / Windmill Park
10. Shadow Lake Park / Gayla Manor

According to Neighborhood Scout, 97% of cities in the country are safer than Stockton, CA! A 75-year-old Stockton resident claims that her street has “deteriorated” compared to how it was because of shootings, drug dealings, and crime.

History of Stockton, CA

Prior to the establishment of Stockton, Native Americans inhabited the Central Valley for thousands of years.  Captain Charles M. Weber, a German immigrant who founded Stockton, first tried to attempt gold mining in late 1848 but soon realized that catering to the demands of gold-seekers was a more lucrative option.  

After acquiring more than 49,000 acres of property from a Spanish land grant, he later created Stockton in 1849. On January 24, 1848, gold was discovered on the American River, east of Sacramento, and Stockton, which had been a little town, became a booming commercial hub that supplied miners traveling up to the Sierra foothills.

The County Court formally incorporated Stockton on July 23, 1850, and its inaugural municipal election was place on July 31, 1850. The State of California issued an official document to the City of Stockton in 1851.  

Shipbuilding predominated in Stockton following the Gold Rush and continued to do so until after World War II when agriculture took over as the city’s principal industry.  Now, Stockton is still able to act as a significant transportation hub for many involved in the farming and industrial goods of Northern California thanks to its position at the head of a passable canal, about 90 miles away from San Francisco Bay.

Other California Cities With High Crime

With the knowledge that Stockton is the most dangerous city in California, is there anywhere else you should be aware of? Here are a few of the other cities in the Golden State with high crime rates. 

San Bernandino

San Bernardino has a population of 216,715 and 2,858 violent offenses have been documented. There are 1,318 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants. In San Bernardino, there are roughly 46 homicides, 140 rapes, 906 burglaries, and 1,766 violent assaults per year.

Compton

There are 96,638 people living in Compton. In the city, 1,104 violent offenses occurred.  There are 1,142 violent crimes in every 100,000 residents. In Compton, there are roughly 18 homicides, 40 rapes, 427 thefts, and 619 violent assaults every year.

Oakland

With a population of 434,036 people, Oakland had 5,520 violent offenses. There are 1,271 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants. In Oakland, there are roughly 78 homicides, 372 rapes, 2,859 robberies, and 2,211 violent assaults per year.

Lancaster

There were 1,359 violent crimes documented in Lancaster, which has an estimated population of 159,335 people. The number of violent crimes is 853. In Lancaster, there are roughly seven homicides, 114 sexual assaults, 374 robberies, and 864 violent assaults each year. 

Richmond

In Richmond, CA, there are 110,988 residents. In the city as a whole, 1,034 violent offenses took place. The number of violent crimes is 931. In Richmond, there are roughly 16 homicides, 36 rapes, 307 robberies, and 675 severe assaults every year.