Fresno, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Fresno, CA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 39% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 182 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 31 chance for property crime. Fresno has higher crime than 85% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Fresno has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 74% of the city's 27 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Fort Washington is one of the safest areas, while Little Italy has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Fresno is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Fresno are Fort Washington, Van Ness Extension, Tarpey Village, Copper River Ranch, and Sierra Sky Park. 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 Fresno include Little Italy, Fresno Chandler Executive Airport, Lowell, Highway City, and Sun Garden Acres. 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 Fresno is 550.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 45% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 182 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 7.2 per 100K (45% above average); aggravated assault at 391.6 per 100K (46% above average); robbery at 106.9 per 100K (45% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Fresno is 3,244.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 77% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 31 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 364.7 per 100K (35% above average); larceny/theft at 2,350.1 per 100K (68% above average); vehicle theft at 530.1 per 100K (66% above average).

Fresno's overall crime rate is 39% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (68% above average), while rape is 34% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Fresno has higher crime than 85% of them.

Visitors to Fresno should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 77% 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 Fort Washington, Van Ness Extension, Tarpey Village.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Fresno's crime rate is 39% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Fresno, with an estimated rate of 2,350.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 68% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,245 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (551 per 100K) in Fresno, which is consistent with national trends.