California’s homicide rate by city tells a tale of mixed results. While some areas can boast of having relatively safe streets, others face a much higher risk of violent crime. The overall homicide rate in California has dropped, which is a positive trend on a statewide level.

However, the statewide number can mask a great deal of variability from city to city. The differences can add up to big challenges for those accused of a serious crime like homicide, including more aggressive police tactics, heavier media scrutiny, and potentially tougher prosecution, depending on where the alleged crime took place.

Overall Statewide Crime Trends

Government and law enforcement statistics show that California experienced a significant reduction in overall homicides from 2023 to 2024. In 2024, the state saw a decline of nearly 12% in homicides. As a result, the homicide rate in 2024 was the second-lowest recorded in California since at least 1966.

This trend indicates that California, on a general level, is becoming safer, particularly when it comes to lethal violence. It appears that a combination of broader reforms, law-enforcement efforts, and community programs is having a positive impact. Despite this, each city has its own trends when it comes to crime. 

Farmersville, CA

In 2023, Farmersville had 58.35 murders and non-negligent manslaughters per 100,000 residents, the highest rate of any city in California with a population of 10,000 or more. Rates that high put a city far outside the norm for California as a whole, showing how some smaller cities experience a great deal of fatal violence.

Stockton, CA

Neighborhood Scout finds that Stockton’s crime rate is approximately 43 per 1,000 residents. Stockton ranks as one of the highest crime cities in California and in the United States. The violent crime rate in Stockton shows residents have a one in 85 probability of becoming victims of murder and assault, and other violent crimes.

Compton, CA

Compton ranks in the top 50 cities for overall crime rate, including violent and property crimes, with nearly 46 crimes per 1,000 residents, according to Neighborhood Scout data. The violent crime rate alone puts a person in Compton at a one in 84 chance of being a victim of violence, much higher than the state average.

Crimes such as homicide, assault, and robbery are on the higher side, as well. In cities with high crime rates, prosecutors and police departments tend to take a hard-line, zero-tolerance stance on violent crime. Defendants must prioritize experienced legal representation from the start because of this challenging reality.

Oakland, CA

As a large city, Oakland is one of the state’s more violent major urban areas. In 2023, its murder rate was 27.73 per 100,000. In terms of overall violent crime (not just homicide), Oakland ranks at the top of the state. The city of Oakland topped the state’s violent-crime rates per 100,000 residents in 2023.

Why These City Differences Matter

Areas with high homicide rates may attract more public-safety attention and political pressure. Prosecutors in those jurisdictions may seek more severe charges and be less inclined to negotiate plea deals. The net result for a defendant usually means a more aggressive playing field from the start.

Violent crime is more routine in areas with high homicide rates. In these communities, charges can evoke strong emotional reactions. Defendants face disadvantages when jurors’ attitudes are influenced by media attention and public outrage before trial proceedings start.

Cities with an increasing homicide rate may invest in more police or more homicide investigators. Police may put more resources into an investigation. On the other hand, an increased rate of violence can create an institutional pressure to solve homicide cases quickly. Defense strategy needs to take both factors into account.

When to Hire a Homicide Lawyer

It is a serious matter to face a homicide charge in California, particularly in a city with a high homicide rate. Freedom and life are at risk. Important benefits of hiring a qualified California homicide attorney include:

• Familiarity with local prosecutors in areas with a high crime rate
• Understanding homicide laws and potential defenses
• The capacity to contest evidence, errors, and inappropriate procedures
• Knowing how local trends and public opinion could impact your case

When you hire a homicide lawyer, prior to speaking with police, prosecutors, or investigators, it can significantly alter the course of your case.

FAQs

Which City in California Has the Most Murders in 2025?

As the number of homicides varies from year to year, Los Angeles almost always has the largest number of total murders. This is not to be confused with having the highest per-capita rate, but in terms of sheer numbers, it is the city most commonly linked to the largest number of homicides over the past reports.

What Is the #1 Safest City in California?

Rankings change annually, but some Orange County communities, such as Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, and Irvine, consistently rank as some of the safest cities in California. Cities in this group typically have few violent-crime reports, proactive community policing, and high community involvement, and have consistently ranked highly in several annual rankings.

What Is the Most Violent County in California?

Most violent may be in reference to total crime, violent-crime rate, or homicide rate. Counties with the highest numbers may be higher-population counties, while some lower-population, rural counties may also have high per-capita numbers. In recent years, portions of the Central Valley and Inland Empire have been reported to have higher violent-crime rates than coastal counties.

What State Is #1 for Most Homicides?

If looking at the per-capita murder rates instead of the overall number of murders committed in each state, many states in the South consistently rank among the highest in the country. Many of these states also tend to have a greater degree of socioeconomic disadvantage, resource deprivation, and gun violence, correlating to higher per-capita rates of homicide than other parts of the United States.

Contact The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman Today

Being accused of homicide is a serious offense. If you have been charged, it is important to seek legal assistance right away. The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman can help you in this process. Contact us today to get started.