Danville has earned the top spot in the SafeWise “California’s Safest Cities of 2026” report. After being ranked No. 2 last year, a decline in both violent crime and property crime contributed to Danville returning to the No. 1 ranking. The independent safety research organization has been analyzing FBI-reported data and creating a list of safest cities by state since 2015.
“We are extremely proud of our community policing approach — built on thoughtful planning, strong public safety services, and a genuine partnership with our residents — which continues to make Danville a safe and welcoming place to live,” said Mayor Newell Arnerich. “With the support of the Town Council and under the leadership of Police Chief Thomas Rossberg, our Police Department works hand-in-hand with the community to educate, prevent, and enforce in the interest of public safety. This shared commitment is a key reason Danville has been recognized by SafeWise as California’s safest city for six of the past nine years.”
The annual rankings provide a data-driven snapshot of reported crime trends to illustrate relative risk among cities, with results adjusted for population to allow for fair comparison of both large and small cities. The only other Bay Area city in the top 10 is San Ramon at No. 9. Rankings are based on violent and property crime rates, calculated per 1,000 residents, and California’s top 10 safest cities have populations of 35,000 to 122,000. SafeWise reports the following averages for 2026:
Avg. per 1,000 residents National State Danville
Property crime 22.89 20.84 5.9 (7.4 in 2025)
Violent crime 4.43 4.24 0.6 (0.8 in 2025)
SafeWise relies on reported crime data from the FBI to determine rankings along with national trends. Danville ranked No. 1 from 2018 to 2022. Although changes state and county reporting procedures led to lack of data for 2023 and 2024, Danville’s statistics for those years were similar to other top-ranked cities and Danville ranked No. 2 in 2025. The full report is available at safewise.com/blog.
I’m going to take all of the credit. The unlawful element in the Bay Area has heard that I reside in the town and are terrified at the prospect of having to deal with a Firestone Station trained individual. Civic leaders and our fine deputies have done very good work.
Firestone 11R
And for those locals who may not be aware of what that training entailrd, there’s a fascinating novel based on the experiences of another Firestone Station trained individual that provides insight.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/alumni_books/51/
Quite a bit of fiction in the NOVEL.
Firestone 11R
I knew you were gonna say that. But some of the attitudes depicted sure seems to ring true, based on what you’ve shared.
Yes, some is true. We were dealing with some of the worst people on the planet and some of the nicest, you had to be tough.
Firestone 11R
No surprise, as Danville would be considered a ‘red-town’ (versus a ‘blue-city’) We are overwhelmingly Republican, we fully support our law enforcement partners, and promote a clean, high quality of life community. We are welcomig to all, but have limited tolerance for vagrants, druggies, professional protesters and troublemakers.. Good job Danville!
According to Google AI
Political Landscape
Lean: Historically leans Democratic (63.4% in 2020), with a significant Republican minority (34.6% in 2020).
In 2025, Danville, California, has a projected population of 43,590, reflecting a slow, steady growth rate of roughly 0.4%. The population is predominantly White (68.55%) and Asian (19.7%), with a high median household income exceeding
and a very low poverty rate. The town maintains a safe, suburban environment, with crime rates significantly below the national average.
Racial and Ethnic Composition (2025)
White: 68.55%
Asian: 19.7%
Two or More Races: 9.19%
Other Races: ~2.56% (Black, Native American, etc.)
Income and Economy
Median Household Income: $232, 216 (2020-2024, in 2024 dollars).
Per Capita Income: $107,266 (2020-2024, in 2024 dollars).
I’m guessing that the avg income, taxes, low poverty rate, etc. has something to do with low crime and ability to fund programs, police, etc.
Danville voted 67% blue in the last election.
I object to this ‘red-town’ (versus a ‘blue-city’) narrative. Per the SafeWise website, 9 of the top 10 “Safest Cities” are “blue”. Having said that, this whole red vs blue thing is tiresome and plays right into the divisive propaganda the current administration promotes. We’re all Americans, all equal and we all have the same rights, and yes, that means the right to protest if we feel so inclined. And I seriously doubt that many people who protest are “professional protesters”.
Danville has always had a certain political leaning. A limited tolerance will keep certain people at bay. Crime is everywhere but it shouldn’t be tolerated whether it’s a red, purple or blue town. Danville is a very nice town, and with San Ramon next door, the area is safe in general. Good for Danville!
“A limited tolerance will keep certain people at bay”
What, the homeless? The mentally ill? Officer Hall killed 2 mentally ill people in 2018 and 2021 while “serving” the people of Danville as a police officer. He shot and killed them under color of law. He went to prison for his poor judgment. His superiors kept him on after the first killing and again exonerated him after the second even before witness statements had been taken. Wake up! This ranking is click-bait. It is social-media business as usual, and the Sheriff is still Sheriff.
“Safewise” says it is so? C’mon. They sell home security systems. C’MON THEY ARE SELLING STUFF.
David… I have to defend the law enforcement actions on both those shootings. I know who am I…. but the first person was throwing rocks down on the cars on the freeway… that could have easily killed someone like you or me. The second person was trying to run down a police officer. None of these are acceptable and when you do these actions, no matter who you are or what your mental state, you risk being shot by law enforcement. They have a right to protect the public and themselves. We’ve gone too far bending over to protect the freaks in society past normal considerations given to everyone.
I followed those reported events closely at the time. You are wrong on the facts and the law. Law enforcement can’t choose to shoot someone because they were recklessly endangering people at an earlier time. That’s now how the law works. Let’s just agree to disagree on this.
If someone drives a car at an leo, lethal force may be used. Hall is innocent, just as is the ICE officer in Minneapolis. Mediocre shootings, but legal.
Firestone 11R
I meant to type: That’s “not” how the law works.
@JohnG & David:
I agree and thank you both for making the points you make. “Red v Blue” is contrived and used to further divide an already divided country. It isn’t far from the “Blue v Grey” trope used during our actual Civil War— which some people seem to want.
And the whole “safest city” designation is a hoax provided to some areas (usually wealthy) so their governments and chambers of commerce can tout their schools and property values. I was gratified to see that at least one person saw through it.
@Jeff: You are also wrong on the facts and the law as his conviction and jail time would attest. He was not rounded up by a rag-tag posse and thrown in the hoosegow. He was convicted by a jury of his peers, and the prosecution had a very high burden of proof, as you know.
Enough said on this from me.