Bakersfield, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Bakersfield, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 21% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 344 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 51 chance for property crime. Bakersfield has lower crime than 51% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Bakersfield is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 96% of the city's 100 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Hampton Woods is one of the safest areas, while Casa Loma has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Bakersfield is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Bakersfield are Hampton Woods, Nottingham Estates, Country Rose, Terra Vista, and Stone Meadows. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Bakersfield include Casa Loma, Downtown Bakersfield, Oleander / Sunset, Homaker Park, and CSU Bakersfield. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Bakersfield is 290.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 24% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 344 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.6 per 100K (7% below average); aggravated assault at 190.0 per 100K (29% below average); robbery at 76.4 per 100K (3% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Bakersfield is 1,979.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 8% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 51 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 238.9 per 100K (11% below average); larceny/theft at 1,420.9 per 100K (1% above average); vehicle theft at 320.0 per 100K (0% below average).

Bakersfield's overall crime rate is 21% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is robbery (3% above average), while rape is 42% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Bakersfield has lower crime than 51% of them.

Bakersfield is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 8% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Hampton Woods, Nottingham Estates, Country Rose.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Bakersfield's crime rate is 21% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Bakersfield, with an estimated rate of 1,420.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 1% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,980 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (291 per 100K) in Bakersfield, which is consistent with national trends.