Stockton is a city in California’s Central Valley and has a population of 322,120. It is the 11th largest city in California and has experienced a 10% population increase over the past 10 years. Stockton is just 48 miles outside of Sacramento and is known for its low cost of living, beautiful neighborhoods, and incredible nature.
But is Stockton safe? If you are thinking about moving to Stockton, then you may be asking yourself this question. Although the Stockton crime rate is on the higher end, it is still a safe place to live. Most of the crime in the area is concentrated in a few areas that are easily avoidable. Aside from these few areas, there are many safe neighborhoods in Stockton to choose from. This is everything you should know about the Stockton, CA crime rate as well as the safest and most dangerous areas of the city.
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Understanding the Stockton Crime Rate – How Crime Rates Are Calculated
Is Stockton dangerous? The first step to answering this question is to look at the crime rates and understand what they are (and aren’t) telling you. Stockton crime rates are based on FBI crime data from law enforcement agencies. To find the rates, the FBI takes a look at the total number of crimes committed in an area and divides it by the total population. Then, the numbers are multiplied by 100,000. This is why you see crime rates reported as “X” number of crimes per 100,000 people.
The crime reports can give you a general idea of how safe an area is, but there are many ways that this system fails. Crime rates take a look at the overall city and do not take into account that some areas are more dangerous than others. This means that one neighborhood with higher crime can bring down the crime rate for the entire city.
Also, data reporting is voluntary. This means that law enforcement is not required to share their information, making some areas appear safer when they actually are not. It is also important to note that the crime rates reporting system changed from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting system to the National Incident Based Reporting Systems in 2021. The newer system is more accurate and detailed, which is good, but this change resulted in a misleading rise in crime rates from 2020 to 2021.
Although crime rates can be helpful, it is important to do your own research into where the crime is concentrated and how accurate the numbers are.
What Is the Stockton California Crime Rate?
To better understand the Stockton, CA crime rate, you should compare it to both the state and the national crime rates.
National crime rate:
- 2,346 crimes per 100,000 people
- 388 violent crimes per 100,000 people
- 1,958 property crimes per 100,000 people
- 1 in 43 chance of being a victim of a crime
California crime rate:
- 2,581 crimes per 100,000 people
- 442 violent crimes per 100,000 people
- 2,139 property crimes per 100,000 people
- 1 in 39 chance of being a victim of crime
As you can see, the crime rate in California is higher than the national average. So how does the crime rate in Stockton stack up?
Stockton, California crime rate:
- 4,259 crimes per 100,000 people
- 1,277 violent crimes per 100,000 people
- 2,981 property crimes per 100,000 people
- 1 in 23 chance of being a victim of crime
The overall crime rate in Stockton, CA is 65.0% higher than the state average and 81.5% higher than the national average. These numbers are high, but it is important to remember that a lot of the crime is concentrated in small areas where nightlife and gang activity is higher. Stockton is also a very large city, so the crime rates will naturally be higher. Law enforcement is actively trying to lower the crime rate in Stockton, California by implementing programs such as Crime Stoppers, Neighborhood Watch, and YES.
Stockton Crime Map & Crime Reports
This Stockton, CA crime map gives you a better idea of where the most crimes are committed. The darker areas have more crime, and the lighter areas have little to no crime.
As you can see, most of the crime in Stockton is committed in the Downtown area of the city. As you get further away from the downtown area, the crime rates decrease significantly.
The Stockton Police Department also has its own Stockton Crime Map, where illegal activities are reported. When you use this community crime map, you can view crimes in the area as they happen. It is also important to know that the Stockton police reports are public information. You can file and view Stockton, California police reports on the department’s Police Report page.
Violent Crime in Stockton CA
Violent crimes include assault, battery, kidnapping, murder (homicide), manslaughter, sexual assault, shootings, rape, and robbery. These crimes are typically a threat to a person’s safety.
Stockton Violent Crime Statistics:
- Stockton murders: 18 per 100,000 people
- Stockton violent crime rate: 1,277 per 100,000 people
- Chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Stockton: 1 in 78
The violent crime rate in Stockton is 188.9% higher than the state average and 229.35 higher than the national average. Unfortunately, Stockton homicides are on the rise due to gang violence. However, the Stockton PD has recently implemented a Gang Awareness Program, which aims to lower the violent crime rate in the city as well as educate residents on how to recognize the signs of gangs in the area. The SPD has also taken the initiative to help the families of the victims of violent crime in Stockton.
Although Stockton, CA shootings are a cause for concern, California has the #1 gun safety policy in the country, so you can rest assured that the state is taking the proper steps to fix this problem.
Property Crime in Stockton
Property crime includes arson, break-ins, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, shoplifting, theft, and vandalism. These are often threats to security rather than safety.
Stockton Property Crime Statistics:
- Stockton property crime rate: 2,981 per 100,000 people
- Total property crimes in Stockton (2020): 9,391
- Chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Stockton: 1 in 34
The property crime rate in Stockton is 39.4% higher than the state average and 52.2% higher than the national average. Although property crime is not usually a threat to your immediate safety, it is important to take the proper precautions to prevent it. Make sure you protect your belongings, lock doors, lock windows, and don’t leave valuables in your vehicle. The SPD has outlined specific guidelines for home security on its website.
High Crime Areas of Stockton California
What are the worst neighborhoods in Stockton? Although most areas are safe, there are a few Stockton neighborhoods that have high crime rates. Here are a few bad areas in Stockton CA.
Downtown Stockton
- Population: 14,864
- Crime rate: 11,594 crimes per 100,000 people (172% higher than the national average)
Downtown Stockton, also known as Civic Center, is one of the most dangerous areas of Stockton. There is a prominent nightlife scene that leads to people acting irresponsibly.
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Park
- Population: 26,331
- Crime rate: 8,567 crimes per 100,000 people (101% higher than Stockton average)
Located in Southeast Stockton, Park has a crime rate that is 265% higher than the national average.
Pacific
- Population: 41,365
- Crime rate: 6,059 crimes per 100,000 people (42% higher than Stockton average)
This Stockton neighborhood has a crime rate that is 158% higher than the national average. There is a lot of property crime in this area due to high traffic levels in the neighborhood.
Safest Neighborhoods in Stockton
Is Stockton, CA safe? There are many safe neighborhoods in Stockton for you and your family to settle down in. Here are a few of the safest places to live in Stockton, CA.
Brookside
- Population: 9,491
- Crime rate: 1,370 crimes per 100,000 people (68% lower than Stockton average)
Brookside is a beautiful area close to the San Joaquin River. You can enjoy many fun attractions in Brookside, such as the Brookside Country Club and Nelson Park.
Weston Ranch
- Population: 18,837
- Crime rate: 943 crimes per 100,000 people (78% lower than Stockton average)
Weston Ranch is located in southwestern Stockton and is a subdivision of modest tract homes. Weston Ranch has a crime rate that is 60% lower than the national average.
Spanos Park
- Population: 7,546
- Crime rate: 579 per 100,000 people (86% lower than Stockton average)
Spanos Park is one of the safest neighborhoods in Stockton, CA, and is very popular among families. It is home to the top-rated Bear Creek High School as well as The Reserve at Spanos Park.
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Stockton Safety Tips – How to Avoid Crime in Stockton
- Don’t go out after dark. And if you must, be aware of your surroundings and travel in groups when possible.
- Increase lighting in your home and install a security system or video surveillance cameras if you are able to.
- Lock your doors and windows when you are not home.
- Stay aware when traveling through high crime areas such as Civic Center and Pacific.
Campus Crime and Safety
If you are attending the University of the Pacific, then consider this information.
- Don’t leave valuables in your car.
- If you have to walk alone, consider carrying pepper spray or download an app such as WalkSafe to find the safest route to your destination.
- Familiarize yourself with the University of the Pacific crime information and have the campus police phone number on hand.
Stockton Police Department
The Stockton Police Department serves the city of Stockton. First established in 1850 with just 16 officers on the force, the Stockton Police Department now has 468 sworn police officers. This is 1 police officer for every 1,000 people. The department is led by Police Chief Stanley McFadden.
Stockton Police Department, 22 E Market St, Stockton, CA 95202, (209) 937-8377
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Stockton Crime Rate FAQ
What is the crime rate in Stockton California?
The Stockton, California crime rate is 4,259 crimes per 100,000 people.
What is the Stockton murder rate?
The Stockton, CA murder rate is 18 per 100,000. There were 56 murders in Stockton in 2020.
Is Stockton California safe?
Although there are areas of high crime, there are many safe areas and therefore Stockton is a safe place to live.
Although the Stockton crime rate is high, there are many safe areas in the city for you to settle down in. If you are thinking about moving to the area, then let our Stockton movers help you! Call Mother Lode Moving today at 916-631-4285 for a free estimate!
