We’ve already covered the safest cities on the East Coast, but the West Coast is leading in terms of safety, particularly in its larger cities. Our look into MoneyGeek’s study shows that the safest big cities with over 100,000 people on the West Coast are all in California.
Contents
- 1. Sunnyvale, California (Rank 2)
- 2. West Covina, California (Rank 3)
- 3. Jurupa Valley, California (Rank 9)
- 4. El Monte, California (Rank 12)
- 5. Rancho Cucamonga, California (Rank 13)
- 6. Glendale, California (Rank 14)
- 7. Norwalk, California (Rank 16)
- 8. Thousand Oaks, California (Rank 19)
- 9. Santa Clarita, California (Rank 20)
- 10. Roseville, California (Rank 30)
1. Sunnyvale, California (Rank 2)
- Crime Cost per Capita: $156
- Violent Crime Rate: 39
- Property Crime Rate: 286
- Cost of Crime: $23,793
Sunnyvale is really safe, coming in at number 2. It’s in the heart of Silicon Valley, so it’s more techy than flashy. The crime cost per person is low at $156, and it’s got one of the lowest violent crime rates around. It’s a place where tech jobs are plentiful and the streets are pretty quiet. Plus, you’re close to all the big tech headquarters.
2. West Covina, California (Rank 3)
- Crime Cost per Capita: $181
- Violent Crime Rate: 49
- Property Crime Rate: 415
- Cost of Crime: $19,417
Just a bit behind Sunnyvale, West Covina ranks third. It’s in the Los Angeles area but without the big city feel. Crime cost per person here is $181, which is pretty good. The place is more about shopping malls and suburban homes, a kind of quiet spot in the middle of the busy LA area.
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3. Jurupa Valley, California (Rank 9)
- Crime Cost per Capita: $253
- Violent Crime Rate: 92
- Property Crime Rate: 373
- Cost of Crime: $27,024
Jurupa Valley, ranking ninth, is kind of a newer city. It’s got a crime cost per person of $253. It’s more of an outdoorsy place, with lots of space and parks. It’s close to Riverside, so you’re not too far from a bigger city, but it’s got its own laid-back vibe.
4. El Monte, California (Rank 12)
- Crime Cost per Capita: $277
- Violent Crime Rate: 43
- Property Crime Rate: 386
- Cost of Crime: $29,601
El Monte ranks 12th for safety. It’s in the San Gabriel Valley, not too far from LA. The crime cost per person is $277, and it has a pretty low violent crime rate. It’s more of a working-class city, with a lot of families and a strong community vibe. There’s a mix of local shops and places to eat, and it’s close enough to LA for more options.
5. Rancho Cucamonga, California (Rank 13)
- Crime Cost per Capita: $283
- Violent Crime Rate: 73
- Property Crime Rate: 210
- Cost of Crime: $49,517
Right after El Monte, Rancho Cucamonga comes in at 13th. It’s known for being a bit more upscale and has a crime cost per person of $283. The city is nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, so you get great views. It’s got a mix of newer homes, shopping centers, and vineyards, so there’s a little bit of everything.
6. Glendale, California (Rank 14)
- Crime Cost per Capita: $299
- Violent Crime Rate: 120
- Property Crime Rate: 912
- Cost of Crime: $57,458
Glendale is 14th on the list. It’s a bigger city, right next to LA, with a crime cost per person of $299. Glendale has a mix of urban and suburban, with lots of shopping and dining options. It’s known for being pretty diverse and having a great downtown area, and it’s super close to Hollywood and other LA hotspots.
7. Norwalk, California (Rank 16)
- Crime Cost per Capita: $328
- Violent Crime Rate: 90
- Property Crime Rate: 322
- Cost of Crime: $32,915
Norwalk comes in at rank 16. It’s a part of the Los Angeles area but has a more down-to-earth feel than the bustling city. The crime cost per person is $328, which is pretty reasonable. It’s a family-friendly place with a mix of residential areas and local businesses. It’s got a community vibe and is close enough to LA for more entertainment options.
8. Thousand Oaks, California (Rank 19)
- Crime Cost per Capita: $340
- Violent Crime Rate: 71
- Property Crime Rate: 1,167
- Cost of Crime: $42,766
Thousand Oaks is ranked 19th for safety. It’s known for being one of the more affluent suburbs in the Los Angeles area. The crime cost per capita here is $340. It’s a city that’s all about open spaces and natural beauty, with lots of parks and hiking trails. It’s a great spot if you want the perks of living near LA but prefer a quieter, more suburban life.
9. Santa Clarita, California (Rank 20)
- Crime Cost per Capita: $359
- Violent Crime Rate: 156
- Property Crime Rate: 1,095
- Cost of Crime: $80,694
Santa Clarita, at rank 20, is another suburb of Los Angeles, but it’s got its own thing going on. The crime cost per person is $359. It’s famous for its theme parks and the Santa Clarita Valley. It’s got a family-friendly atmosphere, and it’s close enough to LA for work or play, but far enough away to have a more relaxed lifestyle.
10. Roseville, California (Rank 30)
- Crime Cost per Capita: $461
- Violent Crime Rate: 168
- Property Crime Rate: 1,872
- Cost of Crime: $69,968
Roseville holds the 30th spot for safety. It’s located in the Sacramento metropolitan area, offering a blend of city and suburban living. With a crime cost per capita of $461, it’s a bit higher than some other California cities but still maintains a relatively safe environment. Known for its retail centers and family-friendly atmosphere, Roseville is a popular choice for those who want suburban comfort with easy access to Sacramento’s city amenities.
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