NewsNBC Bay Area — Local NewsJuly 2, 2026United States
California Crime Rates Hit Historic Lows in 2025
A new report from the California Department of Justice shows that crime rates across all categories decreased in 2025, with homicide rates reaching their lowest point since tracking began in 1966. While overall violent and property crime dropped, the state saw specific increases in hate crimes targeting Latino and transgender communities.
Read the full story at NBC Bay Area — Local NewsWhy It Matters
The report provides official state data on public safety trends, documenting a 10% drop in and a 14% drop in property crime, which informs state-level law enforcement and public safety policy.
Key Facts
- Statewide homicide rates reached the lowest level since 1966, with 1,374 total homicides in 2025.
- Statewide violent crime decreased by 10% and property crime decreased by 14% compared to 2024.
- Motor vehicle theft dropped by 26% and robbery rates dropped by 20%.
- Statewide arrests increased by 4% in 2025 compared to 2024.
- Hate crimes against Latinos rose by more than 30% in 2025.
- Hate crimes against transgender people rose by 23% in 2025.
- Juvenile arrests decreased by 7% in 2025.
- Unserialized ghost gun recoveries declined by 33% since 2021.
- Rape decreased by 6%, aggravated assault by 6%, burglary by 9%, and overall hate crimes by 3%.
- Homicide reductions varied by county: Alameda (-43%), San Mateo (-58%), Santa Cruz (-67%), while Sonoma and Monterey saw significant increases.
Who's Mentioned
personDonald Trump“President of the United States, cited by Bonta regarding hate crime trends.”personRob Bonta“California Attorney General who presented the crime data.”locationAlameda County“Reported a 43% reduction in homicides.”locationSan Mateo County“Reported a 58% reduction in homicides.”locationMonterey County“Reported more than double the number of homicides.”organizationCalifornia Department of Justice“The state agency that released the crime statistics.”locationSonoma County“Reported nearly triple the number of homicides.”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California who commented on the report.”locationSanta Cruz County“Reported a 67% reduction in homicides.”