How much do crime rates vary across California counties?

• Some Counties Have Very Different Crime Rates Than the State as a Whole. Of counties with relatively complete data, Alameda reported the highest overall and property crime rates in 2024—both were about twice the statewide rates. Imperial had the lowest overall rate—just over one-third of the statewide rate. Modoc had the lowest property crime rate—a quarter of the statewide rate. Alpine had the highest violent crime rate—over double the statewide rate. Placer had the lowest violent crime rate—less than half the statewide rate. (For more information on state and county crime rates, see the Department of Justice Open Justice website.)

• Various Factors Likely Account for Variation Between Counties. Variations among county crime rates are probably explained by factors such as demography (areas with larger populations of young men tend to have higher crime rates), local economy, law enforcement resources, and degree of urbanization.

Last Updated: July 2025