You might have heard Bakersfield hasone of California's highest crime rates, with roughly 48 incidents per 1,000 residents. Much of this stems from property crimes and concentrated neighborhood risks. While affordable rents may tempt you to move here, nobody wants to become a victim. So what concrete steps can you take to stay safe?
We'll break down Bakersfield's safety landscape: crime hotspots, driving hazards, environmental risks, and safer neighborhoods. You'll also get practical solutions from smart security systems to situational strategies to protect yourself. Is Bakersfield a safe place to live? Let's explore the facts.
How Safe is Bakersfield?
Bakersfield consistently bears a dangerous reputation, with a current crime rate of 47 incidents per 1,000 residents, ranking among America's highest for cities of comparable size. You'll find that 1 in every 21 residents experiences violent crime, while metropolitan studies label it the second most dangerous U.S. city for pedestrians.
Overall, its crime rate surges 54% above the national average. Given these realities, is Bakersfield a safe city? The data suggests heightened vigilance is non-negotiable.
General Situation of Crime
The total crime index is 4 (100 is safest), which means Bakersfield is only safer than 4% of U.S. cities. The below tables show date of Bakersfield annual crimes, Bakersfield violent crimes, and property crimes.
Bakersfield Annual Crimes
| Violent | Property | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Crimes | 3,680 | 14,030 | 17,710 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) |
8.9 | 33.94 | 42.84 |
Bakersfield Violent Crimes (Population: 413,381)
| Murder | Rape | Robbery | Assault | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report Total | 29 | 197 | 623 | 2,831 |
| Rate per 1,000 | 0.07 | 0.48 | 1.51 | 6.85 |
Property Crimes (Population: 413,381)
| Burglary | Theft | Motor Vehicle Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report Total | 2,867 | 6,794 | 4,369 |
| Rate per 1,000 | 6.94 | 16.44 | 10.57 |
Source: Bakersfield, CA crime analytics by NeighborhoodScout
Bakersfield Crime Rate Map
- 1 LakeView: 3,844 crimes/100k people
- 2 Csu Bakersfield: 2,558 crimes/100k people
- 3 Amberton: 2,013 crimes/100k people
- 4 Southgate: 1,747 crimes/100k people
- 5 East Bakersfield: 1,402 crimes/100k people
These statistics derive from address-level analytics tracking crime, demographics, and school zones. If you plan to visit or move to Bakersfield, we urge you to steer clear of these high-risk areas.
Is Bakersfield Safe Place to Live?
While Bakersfield offers affordable living costs for housing, groceries, and transit, plus diverse education and strong job opportunities, is it a safe place to live? Beyond high crime, critical risks persist: it ranks among second-least safe cities for drivers, suffers chronic air pollution, and faces extreme heat/wildfire threats. Weigh these dangers carefully as you read on.
Risks of Living in Bakersfield
If these advantages appeal to you, we strongly advise weighing them against the following risks before committing to Bakersfield. Your safety preparedness could define your living experience here.
High Crime Rates
Bakersfield's crime rate soars 85% above the national average, with property crime 96% higher, among California's most severe (NeighborhoodScout). If you decide to move here, we urge you to maintain hyper-vigilance and situational awareness, especially in high-risk areas like Lakeview, East Bakersfield, Rio Bravo, Southgate, and Cottonwood.
Least Safe Cities for Driver
Based on a recent comparative study by Forbes Advisor analyzing America's most populous cities, Bakersfield ranks as the fifth least safe driving location due to persistently high collision risks and infrastructure challenges.
Drivers here face a 54% higher crime rate than the national average, alongside severe traffic congestion, expensive fuel, and difficult vehicle maintenance. All compounding daily commute hazards. It remains California's second-most dangerous city for pedestrians. These factors collectively worsen road safety, demanding extreme vigilance from residents.
Bad Air Quality
Bakersfield consistently ranks among the worst U.S. metro areas for air quality, holding first place for annual particle pollution, second for 24-hour particle pollution, and third for high-ozone days. Its thriving oil industry contributes heavily to poor air conditions, which may pose significant health risks.
Extreme Weather & Natural Disaster
Bakersfield sits close to the San Andreas Fault, earthquakes remain a constant threat with the potential for devastating impacts. The region is also highly vulnerable to wildfires, which can spread rapidly during droughts and destroy homes and neighborhoods.
Which Part of Bakersfield is Safe?
If you've weighed these risks and still plan to live in or visit Bakersfield, don't worry as we've identified safer neighborhoods where you can thrive. Here are your top options:
- Campus Park: Located in southwest Bakersfield, this family-friendly neighborhood offers diverse housing options including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, alongside convenient access to shopping centers and restaurants.
- Crome: As a tight-knit suburban community, Crome boasts minimal crime reports, praised for its natural beauty and strong neighborly support that enhances safety.
- Oleander/Sunset: Situated south of downtown, this secure area features diverse single-family and duplex homes, ideal for retirees with easy access to essential shops and dining spots.
- River Oaks: This upscale, tree-lined enclave maintains low crime rates and a peaceful atmosphere, where mature residents enjoy friendly community bonds.
- Munzer Rd / Enos Ln: Known for quiet streets and lower crime, residents here feel protected through active neighborhood patrols and close-knit vigilance.
Secure Tips to Live in Bakersfield
Choosing a safer neighborhood is just your first step. Equally crucial is mastering practical steps to protect yourself. We'll now share four essential security tips tailored for Bakersfield's unique challenges.
Encircle Home by Smart Safe System
In Bakersfield, where property crime runs 96% above average, we insist you fortify your home with eufy's ExpertSecure system E10. This AI-driven ecosystem guards your home 24/7. Whether you're away or asleep, using advanced sensors and real-time threat detection. If an intruder breaches your property, it instantly triggers alarms, notifies you via multiple channels, and dispatches local security teams, ensuring near-failproof protection for your family and assets.
Advanced AI Services
- Preemptive Threat Detection: AI identifies suspicious behavior (window tampering, loitering, package theft) before incidents escalate.
- Dual Verification: AI + 24/7 human monitoring reduces false alarms (e.g., wind/animal triggers). Alerts activate only for verified threats.
- Real-Time Multi-Channel Alerts: Push notifications, SMS, and calls ensure rapid response to emergencies.
Robust Hardware Infrastructure
- AI Cameras: High-resolution monitoring day/night. Supports WiFi/PoE connectivity.
- Multi-Sensor Integration: Door/window sensors, glass-break detectors, and smoke alarms sync with cameras for unified defense.
- Video Doorbell: Remote two-way talk + package recognition.
- 4G + Battery Backup: Dual 4G networks and 24hr battery maintain operation during internet/power outages.
- Local 16TB Storage: No monthly fees. Long-term HD video retention slashes costs.
Stay Alert while Driving
With a dismal public transit score of 45 ranking among America's worst, most Bakersfield residents rely on cars—yet the city ranks as the fifth least safe driving location nationwide (Forbes Advisor). This dangerous combo demands your hyper-vigilance: strictly maintain following distance, eliminate distractions, and obey speed limits to counter frequent collisions and DUIs. Treat every commute as a high-stakes task.
Equip with Firearm if Necessary
If you reside in a high-crime neighborhood, securing a firearm for home defense may be necessary. But only when legally permissible and paired with critical safeguards: proper storage in a gun safe, mandatory professional training to prevent accidents, and strict compliance with California's firearm laws.
Avoid from Any Danger Place
When venturing out, we urge you to avoid high-risk zones like East Bakersfield or Oildale, especially after sunset. Never walk alone in dimly lit alleys, and stick to well-lit paths and travel with trusted companions whenever possible.
Conclusion
Is Bakersfield safe? Statistically, it faces significant challenges, from crime rates 54% above average to extreme driving hazards. Yet, your safety can be proactively secured: choose neighborhoods like River Oaks or Campus Park, encircle your home with AI-driven systems like eufy, stay hyper-alert on roads, and avoid high-risk zones after dark. While Bakersfield demands vigilance, these steps empower you to build a safer experience here.
FAQs about Bakersfield Security
Is Bakersfield Safe Place to Live?
Bakersfield can be a challenging place to live in terms of safety. The city struggles with high crime rates, traffic risks, and poor air quality, which raise concerns for families and individuals. By choosing safer neighborhoods and taking proper precautions, you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Bakersfield while minimizing risks.
What are Safe Cities Near Bakersfield, CA?
If you're looking for safer alternatives near Bakersfield, several cities stand out. Tehachapi offers a quieter, small-town environment with lower crime rates. Delano and Wasco provide more affordable living and are generally safer for families. Ridgecrest is also known for its safety and community-oriented atmosphere.
Is Bakersfield Safe for Tourists?
Bakersfield can be moderately safe for tourists, but caution is necessary. Popular areas and main streets are generally fine during the day, yet some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, especially at night. Visitors should stay in well-lit, busy areas, avoid isolated spots, and secure their belongings.