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Bakersfield vs Modesto: Crime & Safety Comparison (2026)

Updated October 2026 · Based on 2023 FBI UCR data

Bakersfield has a crime rate of 24.5 per 1,000 residents vs Modesto's 25.1 per 1,000, making Bakersfield 2% safer overall. Bakersfield earns a C+ safety grade compared to Modesto's C+. Both figures are based on 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data.

C+

Bakersfield

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate24.5/1K
Percentile46%
C+

Modesto

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate25.1/1K
Percentile44%

Head-to-Head Crime Comparison

MetricBakersfieldModesto
Overall Crime Rate24.5/1K25.1/1K
Violent Crime Rate363.0440.4
Property Crime Rate2089.02073.3
Murder Rate5.38.4
Assault Rate237.2345.1
Robbery Rate81.965.6
Burglary Rate319.3219.2
Theft Rate1830.11876.3
Vehicle Theft Rate425.1332.8

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Category Winner Summary

Out of 9 crime categories, Bakersfield is safer in 5 and Modesto is safer in 4.

Victim Odds Comparison

In Bakersfield, you have a 1 in 41 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 40 in Modesto.

Full Safety Reports

C+
Bakersfield, California Safety ReportFull crime breakdown, FAQs, and trends
C+
Modesto, California Safety ReportFull crime breakdown, FAQs, and trends

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bakersfield safer than Modesto?
As of 2026, Bakersfield is 2% safer overall, with a crime rate of 24.5 per 1,000 residents compared to Modesto's 25.1. Bakersfield earns a C+ safety grade vs Modesto's C+. Based on 2023 FBI UCR data.
Which city has more violent crime, Bakersfield or Modesto?
Modesto has more violent crime at 440 per 100,000 residents. Bakersfield is safer for violent crime. The national average is 363.8 per 100,000.
What is the crime rate in Bakersfield vs Modesto?
Bakersfield has a crime rate of 24.5 per 1,000 (violent: 363/100K, property: 2089/100K). Modesto has 25.1 per 1,000 (violent: 440/100K, property: 2073/100K).
Should I move to Bakersfield or Modesto?
From a safety perspective, Bakersfield has lower crime rates across most categories. However, safety is just one factor. Bakersfield (pop. 422,165) and Modesto (pop. 219,652) differ in cost of living, job market, climate, and culture. Bakersfield's C+ safety grade is a plus, but research all factors before deciding.
How do Bakersfield and Modesto compare for property crime?
Modesto has lower property crime at 2073 per 100K vs Bakersfield's 2089. The national average is 1,832 per 100K. Theft is the most common property crime in both cities.

Related Comparisons

Bakersfield vs San JoseBakersfield vs San FranciscoBakersfield vs FresnoModesto vs FresnoModesto vs SacramentoModesto vs Long Beach

2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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