California might be the Golden State, but not all that glitters is gold. Beneath California’s sunshine and golden promise lies a harsher truth. Beyond the beaches and billion-dollar tech startups, many of the state’s cities are battling deep-rooted problems — from mismanaged budgets and failing infrastructure to violent crime and crumbling trust in local leadership.
We've dug into the data from WalletHub's "Best- & Worst-Run Cities" and crime statistics to give you the unvarnished truth about which California cities are at the bottom of the barrel in 2025.
Here are 12 cities that are facing some major hurdles.
1. San Francisco
You might be shocked to see this iconic city on the list, but the data doesn’t lie. WalletHub ranked San Francisco dead last—148th out of 148—making it one of the worst-run cities in America. Despite boasting one of the highest municipal budgets per capita nationwide, the city struggles to turn that spending into practical results for residents.
Governance inefficiencies are a recurring theme here. From constant budget debates to delays in city projects and bureaucratic gridlock, San Francisco often seems unable to address its biggest problems effectively. Public transportation is a daily headache, with aging Muni buses and BART trains frequently delayed and overcrowded.
Then there’s the high cost of living—one of the steepest in the country. Skyrocketing rent and home prices have pushed many residents out or forced them to spend huge portions of their income just to stay housed. Affordable housing projects are routinely stalled by red tape or neighborhood opposition, deepening the homelessness crisis.
Other challenges include pothole-ridden roads and public spaces that often fall short of expectations. Even with all its resources and cultural cachet, San Francisco’s inability to overcome these deep-rooted issues cements its spot at the very bottom of WalletHub’s annual ranking.
2. Oakland
Just across the bay, Oakland faces a complex web of challenges. According to recent crime statistics data, Oakland is California’s most dangerous city for 2025, with a violent crime rate of 16.85 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 60.23.
Neighborhoods like East and West Oakland are especially hard hit, with persistent gang activity fueling cycles of violence and vehicle break-ins. These crime issues are deeply tied to socioeconomic divides—limited access to quality jobs and education perpetuates poverty and gang recruitment.
Oakland’s public safety crisis is worsened by a severe shortage of police officers, forcing the city to prioritize only the most urgent calls. Recruitment drives and community policing efforts are underway, but progress is slow. WalletHub ranks Oakland 146th for city management, highlighting the gap between its budget and on-the-ground realities.
3. Stockton
Stockton faces a double whammy of high crime and poor city management. It ranks as California’s third most dangerous city, with a violent crime rate of 13.96 per 1,000 residents. Homicides rose 20% in the past year, with 68% linked to gang violence. Property crime, including car theft and larceny, remains high at 33.62 per 1,000 residents.
WalletHub places Stockton at 138th for overall city management, citing struggles with economic development, safety, and infrastructure. While the city has launched anti-gang programs and youth outreach initiatives, real change remains an uphill battle.
4. San Bernardino
San Bernardino has earned its reputation as California's second most dangerous city, with a violent crime rate of 14.91 per 1,000 residents. The city also faces deep economic struggles, including a poverty rate of 25.4% and unemployment well above the state average.
The police department’s 41% vacancy rate leaves officers stretched thin, resulting in longer response times and limited patrols. Gun violence and property crimes are persistent concerns. With high unemployment, economic distress, and understaffed law enforcement, San Bernardino is in urgent need of targeted investment and long-term strategic planning.
5. Bakersfield
Bakersfield ranks 128th on WalletHub’s list, with infrastructure standing out as a major issue. Poor road conditions, traffic congestion, and limited public transportation make commuting difficult. Combined with frequent water quality issues and aging utilities, daily life can be frustrating.
Add low health service scores and poor tax dollar efficiency, and it’s clear why residents feel underserved.
6. Fresno
Fresno is ground zero for property crime in California, logging 33.58 incidents per 1,000 residents—one of the highest in the state. Violent crime is lower but still significant, with robbery and aggravated assault affecting key areas like Central and West Fresno.
Retail theft and car break-ins are common, particularly along busy corridors. While Fresno police have boosted neighborhood watch efforts and patrols, WalletHub still ranks the city 141st in management, noting persistent poverty and economic challenges that fuel its crime problem.
7. Commerce
Don’t let its small size fool you—Commerce is a major property crime hotspot, reporting a staggering 103.46 incidents per 1,000 residents. The city’s warehouse and retail-heavy landscape attracts thieves, with smash-and-grab heists and cargo thefts common. Car break-ins and catalytic converter thefts are also widespread.
With limited resources to patrol its industrial sprawl, Commerce continues to face one of the state’s toughest battles against organized theft and burglary.
8. Marysville
Marysville’s violent crime rate stands at 12.96 per 1,000 residents, with property crime at 46.11. Auto theft is rampant, prompting community watch groups to monitor parking areas overnight. Police have launched sting operations and joint efforts with neighboring cities, but residents remain uneasy as theft and vandalism persist.
The local economy is another problem. Once a thriving agricultural town, Marysville has struggled with job scarcity and limited investment in new industries. City leaders have been working to attract small businesses and revitalize the downtown area, but progress is slow. Until the local economy stabilizes, property crime will likely continue to be a recurring issue.
9. Compton
Compton’s reputation for gang-related violence persists, with a violent crime rate of 11.78 per 1,000 residents. Economic strain adds fuel to the fire—poverty hovers around 23%, and unemployment remains a major issue.
The city’s police department has rolled out youth programs, mentorships, and neighborhood watch initiatives to rebuild trust and prevent gang recruitment. While these steps show progress, lasting change will require continued investment and community cooperation.
10. Red Bluff
Residents of Red Bluff face a 1 in 14 chance of falling victim to crime. The violent crime rate is 10.08 per 1,000, while property crime soars to 64.0. Assaults, robberies, and home invasions are common, and its mix of rural and urban characteristics makes policing difficult.
Red Bluff’s location at the crossroads of major highways also contributes to its crime statistics, as it experiences high transient traffic from travelers and truckers passing through. This can lead to an uptick in opportunistic crimes like theft and burglary.
The city also battles deep economic challenges, with limited job diversity and lower household incomes compared to the state average. Community organizations have stepped in to fill some gaps, offering youth mentorship and job training programs, but consistent funding and state support are still lacking. Until those structural issues improve, Red Bluff will likely continue to struggle with both property and violent crime.
11. Vallejo
Vallejo reports about 10 violent incidents per 1,000 residents—well above the state average. Gun violence and gang activity are rising concerns, compounded by underfunded police departments and lagging response times.
Vallejo’s challenges stem from years of financial instability; the city filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and has struggled to rebuild ever since. Limited staffing and budget shortfalls have left police and public works departments stretched thin. Many residents say they feel the city hasn’t fully recovered its sense of safety or civic pride.
Despite these challenges, Vallejo residents are deeply committed to their community. Local nonprofits and grassroots groups have organized neighborhood watch programs, job fairs, and after-school initiatives for at-risk youth. While change has been slow, the city’s strong sense of community engagement is its best asset in fighting back against the tide of crime.
12. Emeryville
Emeryville, with just over 12,000 residents, has California’s highest property crime rate—123.93 incidents per 1,000 residents. Around 61% of crimes involve retail theft, much of it organized.
Major shopping centers like Bay Street Emeryville and big-box stores such as Target and IKEA frequently face coordinated “grab-and-go” thefts. Police have expanded surveillance, partnered with retailers, and worked with neighboring cities to crack down on organized rings, but theft remains rampant.
What Can Be Done?
Turning these cities around isn’t easy, but it’s possible. The data highlights key areas for improvement:
- Socioeconomic Investment: Tackling poverty and unemployment through job creation, education, and affordable housing can reduce crime and instability.
- Effective Governance: A big budget means little without accountability and efficiency. Cities must ensure tax dollars improve essential services like roads, housing, and safety.
- Community-Based Policing: Rebuilding trust and improving staffing in law enforcement can create safer, more engaged neighborhoods.
While these cities face some of California’s toughest challenges, acknowledging the problems is the first step toward lasting solutions.
