The 7 Most Dangerous Towns on the West Coast (According to Data + Locals)
The West Coast is full of dreamy destinations—coastal road trips, lush forests, epic mountains. But it’s not all postcard perfect. Some towns and cities across California, Oregon, and Washington have been making headlines (and local Facebook groups) for the wrong reasons.
We looked at recent crime stats, community warnings, and local insight to round up the 7 most dangerous towns on the West Coast. These aren’t places to avoid entirely, but if you’re visiting or considering a move, you’ll want to be aware of what’s going on behind the scenes.
Table of Contents
1. Oakland, California
Why it made the list: High violent crime, carjackings, and break-ins
Oakland tops the list with consistent reports of assaults, burglaries, and car theft, especially in East and West Oakland. Residents say some areas feel like a “tale of two cities”—vibrant and creative in one part, and seriously dangerous a few blocks away.
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Still, the culture, food, and activism scene are strong—just stay alert, especially at night.
2. Portland, Oregon
Why it made the list: Property crime, drug-related issues, and downtown safety concerns
Portland has seen rising rates of theft, assault, and vandalism, with some neighborhoods hit harder than others. Locals are vocal about slow emergency response times and worsening homelessness in certain parts of the city.
The vibe is still there—but so are boarded-up storefronts and growing frustration.
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3. San Bernardino, California
Why it made the list: One of the highest violent crime rates in the region
This inland city often flies under the radar, but crime stats paint a serious picture. Assaults and robberies are high per capita, and gang-related activity continues to be an issue. Locals say there are safe pockets, but the overall reputation remains rough.
4. Tacoma, Washington
Why it made the list: Rising violent crime and car thefts
Seattle gets the spotlight, but Tacoma has quietly climbed in crime rankings. The city has seen a jump in gun violence, car break-ins, and home burglaries, particularly in its central and southern neighborhoods. Locals report a noticeable shift in recent years, with more people talking about safety concerns than ever before.
5. Bakersfield, California
Why it made the list: High homicide rate and violent crime increase
Bakersfield is one of California’s most dangerous cities by homicide rate, and violent incidents—including shootings—have been rising. It’s not all bad news (locals love the community feel), but the numbers don’t lie, and safety is a hot topic in city council meetings.
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6. Medford, Oregon
Why it made the list: Property crime and drug-related problems
Medford may be a smaller city, but it consistently ranks high for car theft, burglary, and drug activity. Locals often bring up concerns around the downtown area, and some neighborhoods are seeing more visible signs of crime and poverty.
7. Spokane, Washington
Why it made the list: Surging property crime and increased assaults
Spokane has quietly become one of Washington’s highest-crime cities, with serious spikes in property crime and violent incidents. Police departments have warned of increased drug activity and theft, and residents have noticed a shift in community safety, particularly downtown.
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READ MORE: The Best of Washington
READ MORE: The Best of California
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