Bay Area Counties Rank High in California Youth Homicide Rates

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

4) Alameda County, 16.82 per 100,000

5) Contra Costa County, 14.74 per 100,000

6) Solano County, 13.71 per 100,000

7) Tulare County, 13.43 per 100,000

8) Stanislaus County, 9.92 per 100,000

9) Los Angeles County, 9.55 per 100,000

10) Santa Cruz County, 9.40 per 100,000

In its report, the Violence Policy Center for the first time includes a "What Works" section where it profiles three prevention programs it says have been successful in preventing youth violence. The programs are based in Oakland, Salinas and Los Angeles.