Crime is everywhere. The only things you can really do to protect yourself are to be aware of your surroundings, be prepared, and be nice to others. Will that work all the time? Nope. These tips might seem like common sense, but common sense is hardly ever common. It doesn’t matter if you live in the largest city or the smallest; you’ll have to deal with crime in some form or fashion.

POPULATION MATTERS

When it comes to violent crimes, your city might have more of it, but with a bigger population, that is to be expected. Does that mean your city is the most violent just because it’s the biggest? Nope. For these statistics in Northern California, we can thank the local law enforcement agencies and the FBI for the breakdown.

Get our free mobile app

Neighborhood Scout.com has compiled data from local law enforcement and the FBI on violent crimes in the state. Those crimes include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault as well as nonnegligent manslaughter. The most dangerous cities are determined by an average per 1,000 residents.

The 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Northern California

#5 – Modesto

With a crime rate of 34.72 (per 1,000 residents), it's ranked safer than 7% of other U.S. cities. Chances of becoming a victim: 1 in 135 (Population: 218,771).

#4 - Vallejo

With a crime rate of 43.83 (per 1,000 residents), it's ranked safer than 4% of other U.S. cities. Chances of becoming a victim: 1 in 104 (Population: 124,886).

#3 - Richmond

ith a crime rate of 45.07 (per 1,000 residents), it's ranked safer than 4% of other U.S. cities. Chances of becoming a victim: 1 in 109 (Population: 115,639).

#2 -Stockton

With a crime rate of 46.22 (per 1,000 residents), it's ranked safer than 3% of other U.S. cities. Chances of becoming a victim: 1 in 79 (Population: 322,120).

#1 - Oakland

With a crime rate of 70.03 (per 1,000 residents), it's ranked safer than 1% of other U.S. cities. Chances of becoming a victim: 1 in 80 (Population 433,823).

Why is the Crime Rate So High?

Many factors may cause an increase in violent crimes. Of course, population density is a key factor. Then take into account economic conditions, education, family conditions, the effectiveness of law enforcement, and mental health are all significant factors.

Get our free mobile app

Final Thoughts

There are many great people that live in these cities. We’re only going to turn these numbers around by helping one another, sharing kindness, and lifting each other up. Easier said than done, I know. But it is something worth striving for. What is your take? Tap the app and let us know.

MORE TO READ:

 

LOOK: Here's where people in every state are moving to most

Stacker analyzed the Census Bureau's 2019 American Community Survey data to determine the three most popular destinations for people moving out of each state.

LOOK: Here are the 50 best beach towns in America

Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which got us thinking about what makes a beach town the best one to live in. To find out, Stacker consulted data from WalletHub, released June 17, 2020, that compares U.S. beach towns. Ratings are based on six categories: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of life. The cities ranged in population from 10,000 to 150,000, but they had to have at least one local beach listed on TripAdvisor. Read the full methodology here. From those rankings, we selected the top 50. Readers who live in California and Florida will be unsurprised to learn that many of towns featured here are in one of those two states.

Keep reading to see if your favorite beach town made the cut.