Is Sacramento really a hotbed for homicides, crime, and robberies in 2025?
We conducted extensive research using reliable sources to bring you the latest crime statistics. From Sacramento Police Department reports to FBI data, expert opinions, and insights from residents, we’ve gathered the facts to help you navigate the city’s safety landscape.
If you’re planning to visit or relocate for business opportunities, we’ve done the legwork for you!
Yes, Sacramento has crime challenges, but it’s a diverse city with vibrant neighborhoods. Understanding the dynamics, staying aware of your surroundings, and choosing safe areas can help you experience Sacramento confidently.
Safety comparison: Sacramento vs. other cities:
In 2022, San Mateo was ranked the most dangerous city in California, followed by Contra Costa and Sacramento in second and third place, respectively.
On the other hand, Kern and San Diego emerged as some of the safest cities in the state, highlighting a stark contrast in crime trends across the state.
Crime map for Sacramento:
In the picture above, the darker regions indicate higher crime-prone areas, while the lighter regions represent areas with lower crime rates. The image shows a mix of both.
South Sacramento.
The Mack Road/Valley High area in South Sacramento has been identified as one of the city’s higher-crime regions. Residents have reported concerns about safety in this area.
East Sacramento.
East Sacramento is generally considered safer compared to other parts of the city. However, certain neighborhoods, such as Oak Park, have experienced higher crime rates.
West Sacramento.
According to the FBI, the total crime rate in West Sacramento is 3,174 crimes per 100k people.
North Sacramento.
The Del Paso Heights neighborhood in North Sacramento is among the areas with elevated crime rates.
Crime index:
Sacramento ranks among the most dangerous cities with a crime index of just 5 out of 100. It’s safer than only 5% of U.S. cities. That’s a serious red flag.
- Violent crime in Sacramento dropped by 18.2% in the first nine months of 2023.
- The number of people victimized by gun violence fell by 33%.
- Homicides and rapes dropped by 40% compared to the same period in 2022.
- Aggravated assaults decreased by 21%.
- The City Council approved $3.2 million in funding to 13 community-based organizations to support crime prevention work.
- Sacramento Police Department was selected as one of six cities nationwide to partner with the U.S. Department of Justice in a public safety initiative.
Property Crime:
Property crime is the real issue here. Theft, burglaries, and car break-ins are rampant. And it’s not just a Sacramento problem—it’s a trend that’s likely tied to poverty, lack of jobs, and weak community support.
Do you know thieves in Sacramento are after the mail? In one community, an HOA uncovered 1,000 looted mailboxes, with criminals striking up to three times a day—yet frustrated homeowners say USPS is doing nothing to stop it.
Violent Crime:
Violent crime might not be as high as property crime, but 8.12 violent crimes per 1,000 residents is still a number that should raise eyebrows. Gang activity, domestic violence, and other violent incidents are always a risk.
Crime statistics for Sacramento 2023 vs. 2024:
During the first eight months of 2024, the city reported 29 homicides, marking a 21% increase over the same period in 2023.
While specific robbery statistics for 2024 are not yet available, California’s violent crime rate, which includes robbery, increased by 3.3% in 2023 compared to 2022.
The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office reported a total of 86 homicide victims in 2024.
Violence stats. Sacramento 2025:
Sacramento’s January 2025 firearm crime data reveals concerning trends. With 55 firearms seized and 25 reported lost or stolen, the availability of guns remains a key issue.
The 56 shooting reports and 20 victims shot highlight persistent gun violence, with ShotSpotter detecting 263 rounds fired across 72 incidents. This suggests multiple high-volume shooting events, potentially indicating reckless gunfire or gang-related activity.
Demographic trends also raise red flags. 85% of victims were male. The 30-39 age group made up the largest share (45%) of victims, but 25% were under 18, signaling that gun violence is affecting younger populations.
Is Sacramento safe for tourists?
Sacramento welcomes more than 15 million tourists annually! Sacramento is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, safety depends on where you go and how aware you are of your surroundings.
Popular tourist areas like Downtown, Midtown, East Sacramento, and Land Park are well-patrolled and offer plenty of attractions, restaurants, and cultural spots with relatively low crime rates. Check what a tourist had to say about the safety of walking at night at Sacramento waterfall:
However, some areas, particularly parts of South Sacramento, North Sacramento, and certain pockets of Arden-Arcade, have higher crime rates, including property crimes and occasional violent incidents. Tourists should exercise caution in less busy areas, especially at night.
Is Sacramento safe for residents?
Sacramento is a livable and vibrant city, but safety varies widely depending on the neighborhood. While areas like East Sacramento, Land Park, Natomas, and Pocket-Greenhaven are known for their lower crime rates and family-friendly atmosphere, others—such as South Sacramento, Del Paso Heights, and parts of Arden-Arcade—have higher rates of violent crime and property theft.
Is Sacramento safe for families?
Yes, in the right neighborhoods. East Sacramento, Pocket-Greenhaven, and Natomas offer safe, suburban-style living with good schools and parks.
Despite alarming safety statistics, Sacramento remains a vibrant and welcoming city where locals and visitors alike can enjoy its nightlife with confidence.
Areas like Old Sacramento, Midtown, and Downtown are well-patrolled and bustling with activity, making them safe for evening outings. Whether you’re dancing at The Park Ultra Lounge, savoring gourmet dishes in Midtown, or catching a show at Crest Theatre, these hotspots are filled with people enjoying the city responsibly.
Even outdoor experiences like stargazing at the Sacramento Observatory or kayaking under the stars on the American River are safe and great for young professionals. Like any urban area, staying aware of your surroundings is key, but Sacramento’s nightlife thrives in well-lit, active spaces where safety measures ensure a fun and secure experience.
Is Sacramento a safe bet for business?
Sacramento presents strong opportunities for businesses, but success depends on strategic planning and an understanding of the local economic and safety landscape.
- Strategic location. Positioned between the Bay Area and Central Valley, Sacramento offers excellent regional connectivity.
- Lower operational costs. Compared to major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, Sacramento offers more affordable commercial rent and overall business expenses.
- Skilled workforce. Universities such as UC Davis and Sacramento State contribute to a steady pipeline of educated professionals.
While neighborhoods like East Sacramento, Midtown, and Natomas are generally safer, areas such as South Sacramento and Del Paso Heights experience higher crime rates.
Certain districts, particularly in the downtown and midtown areas, may face issues related to vandalism and homelessness, which can impact businesses.
Safest neighborhoods of Sacramento:
Sacramento offers several safe neighborhoods for residents and visitors. Its neighborhoods are livable, have family-friendly parks, and allow residents to enjoy metro life at night.
Areas like Greenbriar, Vineyard East, Vineyard Northeast, Sundance Lake, and Arden Park Vista rank among the city’s safest, according to NeighborhoodScout.
These neighborhoods are known for their low crime rates, well-maintained parks, and vibrant yet secure community spaces.
Whether you’re taking a stroll with your children in a park, exploring local dining spots, or experiencing the city’s nightlife, these areas provide a peaceful and secure environment, making them some of the best places to live and explore in Sacramento
The most dangerous neighborhoods of Sacramento:
According to Sacramento police officials, nearly 50% of violent crime happens within 7 square miles of a 100-square-mile city.
- Mack Road/Valley High area is in South Sacramento, City Council District 5.
- Oak Park is located in East Sacramento, City Council District 6.
- Del Paso Heights lies in North Sacramento, City Council District 2.
What do the locals say:
Polls cut through the noise and show the real sentiment. When asked about safety, Sacramento locals stood firm—they feel good about where they live and believe law and order will hold. Sure, some areas have issues, but overall, there is confidence, stability, and optimism.
Locals share their unfiltered thoughts on Reddit and Quora about Sacramento’s safety. The consensus? Many feel secure in their neighborhoods and trust that law and order will prevail. While some areas raise concerns, the overall sentiment leans toward confidence and optimism.
About the safety of Mack Road locals say:
“Mack Road has seen a rise in robberies, prompting a local restaurant to warn patrons against flashing cash or jewelry.”
While some residents feel the area has improved, others still consider it unsafe compared to wealthier neighborhoods.
General advice suggests staying aware, avoiding unnecessary attention, and being respectful to navigate the area safely.
What is the government doing to make Sacramento safer?
The city of Sacramento has undertaken a series of targeted initiatives to improve public safety and reduce crime.
- Data-driven policing. In collaboration with the Sacramento State University Institute for Social Research (ISR), law enforcement is conducting surveys in high-crime areas. This approach aims to better understand residents’ challenges and develop solutions that address the root causes of violence.
- Oversight and accountability. The Office of Public Safety Accountability (OPSA) provides civilian oversight of the Sacramento Police and Fire Departments, ensuring transparency and maintaining public trust.
- Technology for enhanced security – The Public Safety Camera Network, established by the Sacramento Police Department, integrates surveillance footage from businesses, neighborhoods, and public spaces. This system strengthens law enforcement’s ability to monitor and respond to incidents in real time.
- Improving law enforcement. California’s AB 2943 and SB 905 make it easier to prosecute repeat offenders by aggregating theft amounts across different locations.
- The Public Safety and Justice Agency Advisory Committee works with leaders to refine policies, similar to the state’s approach in consolidating theft-related offenses (AB 1779).
How to stay safer in Sacramento in 2025?
Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office shares the importance of staying informed, using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and being cautious with financial transactions, especially involving gift cards and cryptocurrency.
But for physical security, businesses across California are trusting Remote Video Monitoring as the only proactive solution for swift detection and quick action against security breaches.
With AI security cameras and a suite of advanced video analytics, here’s how advanced features can help make Sacramento safer:
- Object detection & tracking. Spots trespassers and suspicious activity fast, so security can step in before trouble starts.
- Intrusion detection. Alerts security when someone enters a restricted area, stopping issues before they escalate.
- Loitering detection. Flags unusual lingering, helping prevent theft and vandalism with quick action.
- License plate recognition. Tracks vehicle activity, identifies stolen cars, and improves access control for safer parking lots and neighborhoods.
Key takeaways:
Yes, Sacramento, like any major city, has its challenges—but it’s far from lawless. While crime rates vary by neighborhood, proactive policing, community initiatives, and technology-driven security solutions are making an impact.
Tourists, residents, and business owners can enjoy Sacramento’s offerings by staying informed and choosing safer areas. With the right precautions and smart security measures, Sacramento remains a city of opportunity, growth, and resilience.
Contact us today to discover how we can help you safeguard what matters most in Sacramento!
