F
42%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
156%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
19%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSonora/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime147n/a (estimate)3,0072,5642,119
Murder0n/a0.04.55.0
Rape7n/a143.236.637.5
Robbery5n/a102.3119.160.6
Assault33n/a675.0325.8256.1
Violent crime45n/a (estimate)920486359
Burglary5n/a102.3305.8229.2
Theft95n/a1,943.11,345.21,272.1
Vehicle theft2n/a40.9427.5258.8
Property crime102n/a (estimate)2,0862,0781,760

Sonora crime map

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The Sonora crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Sonora as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Sonora crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Sonora crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Sonora, CA

The Sonora crime rates are 41.9% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 45 violent crimes in Sonora (920 per 100,000 people), which is 156.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 102 property crimes (2086 per 100,000 residents) which is 18.5% higher than average.

Sonora has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 920 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Sonora falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 109 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

During the most recently reported crime year, Sonora experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Sonora?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Sonora residents. Out of the respondents (31 in total), 35% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Sonora were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 65% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Sonora a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Sonora is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Sonora has a total crime rate that is 42% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.4 daily crimes (0.12 violent daily crimes and 0.28 daily property crimes) in Sonora.

Has Crime in Sonora Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Sonora has decreased by 49.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Sonora is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 15.4%, while property crime has decreased by 59.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Sonora.

Potential Causes for Crime in Sonora

In Sonora, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.4%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Sonora crime rates.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Sonora, 79.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

Sonora has an average rental rate of $1,443 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Compare Sonora, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Sonora crime rates are 42% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Sonora are 156% higher than the national average
      • In Sonora you have a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Sonora is safer than 5% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Sonora has decreased by 19%

      Sonora, CA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Sonora

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        Daily Crime In Sonora (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Sonora, California is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Sonora are 1.17 times more than the California average and 1.42 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Sonora are 1.89 times more than than California and 2.56 times more than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Sonora are 1.00 times more than than California and 1.19 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Sonora (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of Sonora to every other city in California, as well as the entirety of the United States, is Sonora safe? The gauges above illustrate that Sonora is safer than 6% of every city located within California along with 5% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in California and in the United States as a whole. As a result, Sonora, CA is ranked below average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Sonora

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Sonora is 1 in 109
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Sonora is 1 in 48
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Sonora is 1 in 34
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Sonora? If you reside in Sonora, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 109. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 48 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Sonora, is 1 in 34.

        Year Over Year Crime In Sonora (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether Sonora is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Sonora has increased by 6% and the rate of property crime in Sonora has decreased by 26%. The total crime rate in Sonora has decreased by 19% year to year.

        Sonora police department

        Item Sonora California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1651,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.33.63.3
        There are a total of 16 Sonora police officers. This results in 3.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 9.8% less than the California average and 0.2% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Twain Harte, CA2,593147627774
        Forest Meadows, CA1,372169721890
        Cedar Ridge, CA1,307179765943
        Pine Mountain Lake, CA2,880186797983
        East Sonora, CA2,7521918161,006
        Groveland, CA2591968401,036
        Murphys, CA1,9962048711,074
        Sonora, CA4,9849202,0863,007

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Springhill, LA4,9841811,1081,288
        Bay Hill, FL4,98469369438
        Folkston, GA4,98463485549
        Lawnton, PA4,9861538901,043
        Whiting, IN4,9863571,6502,007
        Sonora, CA4,9849202,0863,007
        Source: The Sonora, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.