Modesto, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Modesto, CA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 0% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 258 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 42 chance for property crime. Modesto has lower crime than 32% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Modesto has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 100% of the city's 8 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Del Rio is one of the safest areas, while Downtown has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Modesto is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Modesto are Del Rio, Enslen, Vintage Fair Estates, Graceada Park, and La Loma. 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 Modesto include Downtown, Hintze / Fairmont, Vintage Modesto East McHenry, La Loma, and Graceada Park. 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 Modesto is 388.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 2% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 258 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.1 per 100K (3% above average); aggravated assault at 268.0 per 100K (0% below average); robbery at 82.7 per 100K (12% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Modesto is 2,360.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 29% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 42 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 277.1 per 100K (3% above average); larceny/theft at 1,712.0 per 100K (22% above average); vehicle theft at 371.6 per 100K (17% above average).

Modesto's overall crime rate is 0% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (22% above average), while rape is 4% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Modesto has lower crime than 32% of them.

Visitors to Modesto should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 29% 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 Del Rio, Enslen, Vintage Fair Estates.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Modesto's crime rate is 0% below the national average, making it roughly comparable to the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Modesto, with an estimated rate of 1,712.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 22% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,361 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (388 per 100K) in Modesto, which is consistent with national trends.