A new statewide study reports seven counties in and around the Bay Area among the top 10 statewide in youth homicide rates. In its third annual review the Washington, D.C.-based Violence Policy Center says firearms, usually handguns, are the weapon most commonly used in the homicide of young people, defined as youth ages 10-24.
California's overall youth homicide rate is 7.87 per 100,000. But the number one county, San Joaquin, has a rate nearly triple that statewide average. Here are the top ten counties, including their youth homicide rates:
1) San Joaquin County, 21.29 per 100,000
2) San Francisco County, 18.04 per 100,000
3) Monterey County, 16.96 per 100,000