NewsNBC Bay Area — CaliforniaJuly 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 major categories decreased in 2025 compared to 2024. While violent and property crimes saw significant declines, the report also highlights specific increases in hate crimes targeting Latino and transgender communities.
Read the full story at NBC Bay Area — CaliforniaWhy It Matters
The report provides official state data on public safety trends, documenting a 10% drop in violent crime and an 18% drop in homicides, which directly impacts state policy priorities and resource allocation for law enforcement and community programs.
Key Facts
- Statewide violent crime dropped by 10% and property crime dropped by 14% in 2025 compared to 2024.
- California recorded 1,374 homicides in 2025, the lowest rate since data tracking began in 1966.
- Statewide homicide rates decreased by approximately 18% compared to 2024.
- Motor vehicle theft decreased by 26% and robbery rates dropped by 20%.
- Arrests across the state increased by 4% in 2025 compared to 2024.
- Hate crimes against Latinos rose by more than 30% in 2025 and have increased 211% since 2016.
- Hate crimes against transgender people rose by 23% in 2025 compared to 2024.
- Juvenile arrests decreased by 7% in 2025 compared to 2024.
- Unserialized ghost guns recovered by law enforcement have declined by 33% since 2021.
- Alameda County saw a 43% drop in homicides, San Mateo County a 58% drop, and Santa Cruz County a 67% drop.
- Homicides in Sonoma County nearly tripled and in Monterey County they more than doubled.
- Smaller reductions were noted in rape (6%), hate crimes overall (3%), aggravated assault (6%), and burglary (9%).
Who's Mentioned
personDonald Trump“President of the United States, cited by the Attorney General regarding hate cri”personRob Bonta“California Attorney General who presented the 2025 crime data.”organizationCalifornia Department of Justice“The state agency that compiled and released the crime statistics.”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California who commented on the report findings.”