Los Angeles, CA Crime Rate & Statistics

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Overview of Crime Rates in Los Angeles, CA

The city of Los Angeles, California, is a sprawling metropolis known for its vibrant culture, entertainment industry, and diverse population. However, the city also grapples with a significant crime problem. As of March 08, 2025, Los Angeles has one of the highest crime rates in the United States, with an overall crime rate of approximately 37 crimes per 1,000 residents. 

According to recent statistics, the city reports 31,303 violent crimes and 109,285 property crimes annually, translating to 297 crimes per square mile—a figure that underscores the density and frequency of criminal activity in this urban hub.

Crime in the Los Angeles area encompasses various types, including violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, as well as property crimes like burglary, theft, vehicle theft, and arson. 

These figures, often sourced from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, highlight the challenges faced by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and local law enforcement in maintaining safety across the city’s 503 square miles.

Key Takeaways

  • High Crime Rate: Los Angeles has a 2025 crime rate of 37 per 1,000 residents, with 31,303 violent and 109,285 property crimes annually, far exceeding U.S. averages.
  • Neighborhood Variation: Safety varies widely, with Brentwood (<2 per 1,000 violent crimes) and Pacific Palisades offering refuge, while South Park (>10 per 1,000) remains a hotspot.
  • Crime Trends: Total crime rose 28% recently, though violent crimes like homicides dropped 24% in 2024, showing mixed progress.
  • Victim Risk: Residents face a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a crime victim, with property crimes (1 in 35) more likely than violent ones (1 in 122).
  • City Comparisons: LA’s violent crime rate (8.38 per 1,000) sits between New York (5.2) and Chicago (10.4), with property crime (28.6) topping both.

Is Los Angeles a Safe Place to Live?

Safety in Los Angeles varies widely depending on location, socioeconomic factors, and individual experiences. With a chance of becoming a victim of crime at 1 in 28 overall, residents and visitors alike often question whether the city is a safe place to live. 

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 1 in 122, while property crime is even more common at 1 in 35, suggesting that property-related incidents like vehicle theft—where Los Angeles ranks among the highest in the nation—are a more immediate concern for many.

Despite these statistics, Los Angeles is home to both high-crime neighborhoods and remarkably safe areas. While the city’s overall crime rate exceeds national averages, certain neighborhoods offer relative safety, making it possible to live securely with proper awareness and precautions.

Los Angeles Crime Rates Compared to National Averages

When compared to national averages, the Los Angeles crime rate stands out. The U.S. violent crime rate hovers around 4 incidents per 1,000 residents, while Los Angeles reports approximately 8.38 violent crimes per 1,000 residents—more than double the national figure. 

Property crime follows a similar trend, with Los Angeles at 28.6 incidents per 1,000 residents compared to the national average of 19.6.

[Visual: Bar Chart – Violent vs. Property Crime Rates in Los Angeles (2025)]

Description: This dual-bar chart contrasts Los Angeles’ crime rates with national averages. The red bar for violent crime reaches 8.38 per 1,000 residents, towering over the dashed gray line at 4 per 1,000 (national average). The blue bar for property crime hits 28.6 per 1,000, dwarfing the national line at 19.6. Labels atop each bar provide exact figures, and a subtle gradient adds visual appeal.

This chart, based on data from NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes, visually confirms that Los Angeles ranks safer than only 7% of U.S. cities, driven by factors like population density (over 3.8 million residents), economic inequality, and gang-related crimes.

Year Over Year Violent Crime Rate in Los Angeles

Tracking year-over-year changes provides insight into crime trends in Los Angeles. In recent years, total crime has increased by 28%, reflecting a surge in both violent and property offenses. 

However, 2024 marked a notable shift, with total violent crime decreasing significantly homicides, for instance, dropped by 24% from 269 in 2023 to 203 in 2024. This decline suggests some success in targeted law enforcement efforts or community initiatives.

[Visual: Line Graph – Year-Over-Year Crime Trends in Los Angeles (2020-2025)]

Description: This multi-line graph tracks total crime (black), violent crime (red), and property crime (blue) rates per 1,000 residents from 2020 to 2025. The 2025 data points show Total at 37, Violent at 8.38, and Property at 28.6, with a steep upward trend from 2024 (Total ~29, Violent ~6.5, Property ~22.4) reflecting the 28% increase. A dip in violent crime from 2023 to 2024 is annotated with “Homicides -24%,” and the 2025 area is shaded for emphasis.

Despite the recent dip in violent incidents, property crimes, particularly vehicle theft, remain a persistent issue, as this graph illustrates with a sharp climb in the blue line.

Los Angeles Neighborhood Crime Rates

Crime in Los Angeles is not evenly distributed, with neighborhood-specific rates painting a clearer picture of safety. High-crime neighborhoods like Chinatown, Civic Center-Little Tokyo, and South Park experience elevated rates of violent crime, often linked to gang activity and economic hardship. For example, South Los Angeles has historically reported higher incidents of homicide and robbery.

[Visual: Heat Map – Los Angeles Neighborhood Crime Rates]

Description: This geographic heat map uses color gradients to depict crime rates per 1,000 residents across LA neighborhoods. Red hotspots mark high-crime zones like South Park (>10 per 1,000), while green highlights safe areas like Brentwood (<2 per 1,000). Yellow and orange shades bridge the gap, with the city average of 37 per 1,000 as a reference. Neighborhood names pop up on hover (in digital format), offering a detailed safety snapshot.

This map, sourced from NeighborhoodScout data, underscores the stark contrast between LA’s danger zones and safer enclaves, guiding residents on where risks are highest.

Safest Los Angeles Area Neighborhoods

For those seeking safety in Los Angeles, certain neighborhoods stand out:

  • Brentwood: Known for its affluent residents and low crime rate (approximately 1.5 violent crimes per 1,000 residents), Brentwood offers a suburban feel within the city. Wikipedia: Brentwood, Los Angeles
  • Pacific Palisades: With stunning coastal views and a violent crime rate below 1 per 1,000, this area is a haven for families and retirees. Wikipedia: Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles
  • Porter Ranch: Located in the San Fernando Valley, Porter Ranch reports property crime rates as low as 10 per 1,000 residents, bolstered by strong community oversight. Wikipedia: Porter Ranch, Los Angeles

These areas benefit from lower population density, higher police presence, and economic stability, making them some of the safest places in Los Angeles, CA.

Potential Causes for Crime in Los Angeles

Several factors contribute to the Los Angeles crime rate:

  • Unemployment Rate: With an unemployment rate fluctuating around 5-6%, economic instability drives property crimes like theft and burglary. California Employment Development Department
  • Cost of Living: At 49.47% above the national average, high living costs exacerbate poverty and desperation in some communities. City of Los Angeles Economic Data
  • Housing Affordability: Limited affordable housing increases population density in low-income areas, correlating with higher crime rates.
  • Gang-Related Crimes: Los Angeles County is home to numerous street gangs, contributing to violent crimes such as homicides and assaults. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
  • Population Density: With over 7,500 residents per square mile, crowded conditions can amplify tensions and criminal opportunities.

These elements, combined with documented police corruption and challenges in law enforcement, create a complex environment where crime persists.

Chance of Becoming a Victim of Crime in Los Angeles

The likelihood of becoming a victim in Los Angeles is stark: 1 in 28 overall, with violent crime at 1 in 122 and property crime at 1 in 35. This translates to a daily crime rate of approximately 391 incidents across the city. For context, the violent crime rate in Los Angeles is 732 per 100,000 people—far exceeding the national average of 366 per 100,000.

[Visual: Donut Chart – Chance of Becoming a Victim in Los Angeles]

Description: This sleek donut chart displays victimization probabilities. The outer gray ring shows the overall chance (1 in 28, 3.57%), while inner rings highlight violent crime (red, 1 in 122, 0.82%) and property crime (blue, 1 in 35, 2.86%). The hollow center reads “LA Crime Risk,” with percentages overlaid on each ring. A pulsing glow around the property ring emphasizes its higher likelihood.

This visual drives home the personal risk, particularly for property crimes, helping residents weigh their safety odds.

Los Angeles Crime Map

A Los Angeles crime map, available through platforms like NeighborhoodScout or the LAPD’s crime database, visually represents crime distribution. Areas like South Central Los Angeles and Civic Center-Little Tokyo appear as hotspots for violent crimes, with incidents of robbery and assault clustering around urban centers. In contrast, the San Fernando Valley and Westside neighborhoods show lower concentrations of reported crimes.

Los Angeles vs. Other Cities with Similar Populations

Comparing Los Angeles to other U.S. cities with similar populations (e.g., New York City, Chicago) reveals distinct patterns:

  • New York City (8.3 million): Violent crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 vs. LA’s 8.38; property crime lower at 24 per 1,000. NYC Open Data
  • Chicago (2.7 million): Higher violent crime rate at 10.4 per 1,000, but fewer crimes per square mile (206 vs. LA’s 297). Chicago Data Portal

[Visual: Comparison Bar Chart – Los Angeles vs. Similar Cities]

Description: This grouped bar chart pits Los Angeles (purple) against New York (blue) and Chicago (orange). LA’s bars show Violent at 8.38 and Property at 28.6, New York at 5.2 and 24, and Chicago at 10.4 and ~20. Dashed gray lines mark U.S. averages (Violent 4, Property 19.6), with LA’s property crime bar standing tallest. A subtle shadow effect adds depth.

This chart positions LA as a middle ground—safer than Chicago for violent crime but riskier than New York overall.

Los Angeles Police Department Statistics

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) employs approximately 9,000 officers, equating to 2.3 police officers per 1,000 residents—slightly below the national average of 2.4. Despite a substantial budget, the LAPD struggles with gang-related homicides, flash robberies, and under-reporting of property crimes, as noted in posts on X. In 2024, the department cleared 203 homicides, a decrease from prior years, reflecting both progress and persistent challenges in enforcement and police reform efforts. LAPD Official Website

Sex Offenders in California

California, including Los Angeles County, tracks sex offenders via the Megan’s Law database. As of 2025, over 100,000 registered sex offenders reside statewide, with a significant portion in densely populated Los Angeles. This presence adds another layer to public safety concerns, particularly in neighborhoods near schools or parks.

Nearby Cities with Low Crime Rates

For those seeking alternatives, nearby cities offer lower crime rates:

These cities, within an hour of Los Angeles, provide safer options without sacrificing proximity to urban amenities.

FAQs

Q: What are the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles?

A: Some of the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles include Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and Porter Ranch. Brentwood boasts a low violent crime rate of about 1.5 per 1,000 residents, Pacific Palisades falls below 1 per 1,000, and Porter Ranch reports property crime rates as low as 10 per 1,000, offering safer living options within the city.

Q: How does the Los Angeles crime rate compare to the national average?

A: The Los Angeles crime rate significantly exceeds the national average. With a violent crime rate of 8.38 per 1,000 residents compared to the U.S. average of 4, and a property crime rate of 28.6 per 1,000 against the national 19.6, LA’s crime rates are notably higher—approximately 61% above the national benchmark.

Q: What is the chance of becoming a victim of crime in Los Angeles?

A: The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Los Angeles is 1 in 28 overall. For violent crime, it’s 1 in 122, and for property crime, it’s 1 in 35, reflecting a higher likelihood of encountering property-related incidents like vehicle theft over violent offenses.

Q: How has crime in Los Angeles changed year over year?

A: Crime in Los Angeles has increased by 28% year over year, with total crime rising from an estimated 29 per 1,000 residents in 2024 to 37 in 2025. While violent crimes saw a significant 24% drop in homicides in 2024, the overall surge highlights persistent challenges, particularly in property crime.

Q: How does Los Angeles compare to other cities with similar populations?

A: Los Angeles, when compared to cities with similar populations, has a total crime rate of approximately 3,667 incidents per 100,000 people in 2025. This places it between New York City (lower at ~2,920 per 100,000) and Chicago (higher at ~3,840 per 100,000), with LA’s property crime rate notably exceeding both.

Final Analysis 

In 2025, Los Angeles remains a city of contrasts when it comes to crime. With an overall crime rate of 37 per 1,000 residents driven by 31,303 violent crimes and 109,285 property crimes the city exceeds national averages, particularly in property offenses like vehicle theft. While year-over-year trends show a 28% increase in total crime, recent declines in violent incidents, such as a 24% drop in homicides in 2024, offer some hope. 

Neighborhoods like Brentwood and Pacific Palisades provide safe havens, starkly contrasting with high-crime areas like South Park, influenced by factors like unemployment, high living costs, and gang activity. Compared to peers like New York and Chicago, Los Angeles sits in a middle ground, with residents facing a 1 in 28 chance of victimization. These insights, backed by data from the LAPD and FBI, underscore the complexity of safety in LA, where location and awareness are key to navigating its challenges.

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