With affordable homes and California’s oldest university, Stockton is a good place to live for growing families and those seeking a low cost of living in Northern California. It has a high crime rate compared to the rest of the US and has a reputation for being dangerous. However, most crime is concentrated in specific areas, and Stockton, CA is safe as long as you stick to the calmer neighborhoods.
Curious about the safest neighborhoods in Stockton, CA? Explore areas known for their low crime rates and family-friendly atmosphere. From Brookside to Spanos Park, these neighborhoods offer a secure environment with well-maintained streets and community-oriented amenities. Discover peaceful living and tranquility in Stockton’s safest areas.
Stockton Safety & Crime Statistics
So, is Stockton, CA safe? The Stockton crime rate is among the highest in California. The total Stockton, CA crime rate is 4,259 crimes per 100,000 residents. For reference, that is 81.5% higher than the rest of the US and 65% higher than the rest of the state. Violent crime is especially high at 1,277 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 229.3% higher than the rest of the US.
The murder rate is 18 homicides per 100,000 residents, which is 175% higher than the rest of the country and 221% higher than the California murder rate. Property crime is also relatively high at 2,981 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 39.4% higher than the rest of California and 52.2% higher than the rest of the country.
So, based on the crime states, Stockton is dangerous. However, crime stats can often be misleading, as most crime in Stockton occurs in specific neighborhoods. Plenty of nice neighborhoods in Stockton are far removed from the danger. Most of the crimes and shootings in Stockton tend to occur in neighborhoods like Civic Center, Seaport, and Park District. So as long as you avoid those high-crime areas, Stockton is safe.
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The Stockton Police Department is responsible for controlling crime in the city and investigating Stockton California shootings, with a team of 663 law enforcement employees, including 468 officers and 195 civilians. You can find a crime map of Stockton, California on their website. You can also find other Stockton, CA, safety resources, such as city watch notifications and instructions for filing a police report.
Although Stockton, California, is dangerous if you aren’t aware of your surroundings, it’s also full of fantastic areas that offer a good place to raise a family. Here is a look at the best Stockton neighborhoods.
Spanos Park | The Safest Neighborhood in Stockton for Affluent Families
Spanos Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Stockton if you’re searching for a quiet place to raise a family. Parks and green spaces like the 180-acre Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park or the 18-hole Reserve at Spanos Park golf course surround the community. It’s in a prime location, adjacent to the freeway, with easy access to great shopping, bars, and restaurants. It’s also reasonably priced for all it offers, and the median home price is $535,000.
Spanos Park has a reputation as one of the safe neighborhoods in Stockton. The total crime rate is only 543 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 77% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate is also 20% lower than the rest of the US, and the property crime rate is 87% lower. Your chances of being the victim of a crime in Spanos Park are 1 in 185. Still wondering, “Is Stockton, CA safe?” It is if you live in Spanos Park.
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Weston Ranch | A Safe, Secluded Stockton Neighborhood with Good Schools
Weston Ranch is another safe neighborhood in Stockton, CA. Located west of I-5 near a fork in the San Joaquin River, Weston Ranch is a secluded subdivision of modest tract homes offering a peaceful suburban ambiance. It’s home to the top-rated Weston Ranch High School and the popular Weston Ranch shopping center. It’s a diverse, family-friendly community with new homes and a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Aside from its friendly neighbors, Weston Ranch is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Stockton. The total crime rate is 887 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it 62% safer than the rest of the US. The violent crime rate is also 28% lower than the rest of the country, while the property crime rate is 68% lower. You have a 1 in 113 chance of being the victim of a crime in Weston Ranch.
Brookside | An Upscale Gate Stockton Neighborhood with a Low Violent Crime Rate
Brookside is also among the safest neighborhoods in Stockton, CA if you’re looking for a safe community. Nestled between I-5 and the San Joaquin River in northwest Stockton, Brookside is a beautiful community full of nature and reasonably priced homes. Outdoor enthusiasts living in Stockton, CA, will love Brookside’s many parks, golf course, and boat marina. It’s also a gated community with an attentive HOA that keeps the crime low. Brookside is also relatively affordable for all its benefits, with a median home price of $455,000.
Brookside is very safe, with a total crime rate of 1,293, which is 44% below the national average. Violent crime is also 84% lower than the rest of the country, while property crime is 37% lower. Your chances of being the victim of a crime in Brookside are 1 in 78. So, living in Stockton, CA is safe if you live in Brookside.
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Sherwood Manor | A Safe Stockton Neighborhood That Is Great for Families and Retirees
Sherwood Manor is another nice neighborhood in Stockton, CA, if you’re looking for a quiet place to settle down or retire. It’s nestled just at the intersection of I-5 and West Hammer Lane, just south of Spanos Park. It’s a quiet suburban enclave with moderate prices, mid-sized homes, and good schools. It’s a popular community for retirees with a median age of 53 and a median home price of $460,000. However, it’s also good for families, with walkable, tree-lined streets, plenty of parks, and top-rated schools nearby.
Sherwood Manor is very safe, with a total crime rate of 1,294 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it 44% safer than the average US city and 67% safer than the rest of Stockton. The property crime rate is especially low at 61% below the rest of the US. The violent crime rate is 46% higher than the rest of the country. However, it’s right on par with the California average. But crime is down by 8%, and your chances of being the victim of a crime in Sherwood Manor is 1 in 78. That makes Sherwood Manor one of the safest neighborhoods in Stockton, CA.
Stonewood | A Peaceful Stockton Neighborhood Full of Families and Pet Owners
Stonewood is another one of the safest Stockton neighborhoods. It’s a small, tight-knit community located just east of Sherwood Manor. Stonewood residents enjoy easy access to everything Stockton has to offer, as well as well-maintained streets and affordable homes. It’s full of families and pet owners with mid-sized homes ranging from 1500 to 2600 square feet.
With a median home price of $430,000, Stonewood is the perfect community for growing families in search of an affordable starter home in a quiet area. The HOA offers access to the Stonewood community pool, a popular destination in the summer months.
Stonewood is generally a safe Stockton neighborhood. The total crime rate is 1,170 crimes per 100,000 residents, making it 24% safer than the rest of the US. The violent crime rate is 35% higher than the national average, but the property crime rate is 35% lower. Your chances of being the victim of a violent crime in Stonewood are 1 in 200, while your chances of encountering any crime are 1 in 57.
Bear Creek | A Quiet Stockton Neighborhood With Easy Access to Parks and Shopping
Bear Creek is also among the safest Stockton neighborhoods, offering peaceful streets and easy access to parks. Located in north Stockton adjacent to Spanos Park and Sherwood Manor across i-5, Bear Creek is a quiet residential neighborhood with easy access to amenities. Park West Place, a local shopping center with major retailers and local businesses, is a popular spot in the community. Synthesis Park and Michael Faklis Park are both in Bear Creek, and Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park is right next door. It’s a walkable residential neighborhood with competitively priced mid-sized homes, and the median sales price is $489,500.
Bear Creek, Stockton, California, is safe, like many communities in the area. Although the total crime rate is 14% higher than the national average, it’s 32% lower than the rest of Stockton. It’s also 32% safer than cities in California, and your chances of being the victim of a crime in Bear Creek are 1 in 38.
Valley Oak | An Amenity-Rich Stockton Neighborhood with Low Crime
Valley Oak is another safe, family-friendly neighborhood in North Stockton. Located further East than Bear Creek and Spanos Park, Valley Oak is situated at the intersection of California State Route 99 and Country Route J-8, offering easy access to downtown Stockton and nearby cities like Sacramento and Modesto.
Valley Oak offers the perfect mix of urban amenities and rural serenity, with acres of farmland surrounding the community. Home shoppers will find a pleasant blend of Spanish-style single-family homes and attractive apartment complexes. Multiple pocket parks and Stockton Soccer Complex are in the community, making it a popular destination for families. It’s also just minutes from popular attractions like the Micke Grove Golf Course and Zoo in the nearby city of Lodi. Ronald E. McNair High School is also in Valley Oak.
The total crime rate in Valley Oak is 15% higher than the national average. However, it’s 31% lower than the crime rate in Stockton, California, and 22% lower than other cities in the state. The property crime rate is also 20% lower than the national average. The chances that you’ll become the victim of a crime in Valley Oak are 1 in 38, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Stockton.
Map of Safest Neighborhoods in Stockton
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