| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Los Angeles/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 83,991 | n/a (estimate) | 2,212 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 264 | n/a | 7.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1,530 | n/a | 40.3 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 7,967 | n/a | 209.9 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 17,895 | n/a | 471.4 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 27,656 | n/a (estimate) | 728 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 14,152 | n/a | 372.8 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 32,326 | n/a | 851.5 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 9,857 | n/a | 259.6 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 56,335 | n/a (estimate) | 1,484 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Los Angeles crime rate is higher than the national average by 4.4%. Specifically, there were 27656 violent crimes in Los Angeles, equivalent to 728 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 102.9%. Furthermore, Los Angeles recorded 56335 property crimes, amounting to 1484 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 15.7%.
When assessing the total crime rate in Los Angeles per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Los Angeles, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
With a violent crime rate of 728 crimes per 100,000 residents, Los Angeles is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Los Angeles ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 138 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Los Angeles residents. Out of the respondents (518 in total), 30% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Los Angeles were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 70% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Los Angeles a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Los Angeles has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 4%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 230.11 daily incidents, encompassing 75.77 violent crimes and 154.34 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Los Angeles as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Los Angeles. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Los Angeles has decreased by 26.9%. Violent crimes have decreased by 4.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 34.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The Los Angeles area comprises a diverse array of over 83 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Toluca Lake, Brentwood and Pacific Palisades which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Wholesale District-Skid Row, Chinatown and Mid Wilshire exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Los Angeles neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
In Los Angeles, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.8%, 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 Los Angeles crime rates.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Los Angeles crime rates. For instance, in Los Angeles, the population density stands at 8814.2 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Los Angeles, the average rental rates are $2,306 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Los Angeles | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12,956 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| San Pasqual, CA | 2,113 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Rose Hills, CA | 2,699 | 87 | 371 | 458 |
| North El Monte, CA | 3,790 | 121 | 518 | 639 |
| Sierra Madre, CA | 11,099 | 209 | 597 | 806 |
| Ladera Heights, CA | 6,655 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| East Pasadena, CA | 6,198 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Marina del Rey, CA | 10,341 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 4,130,831 | 728 | 1,484 | 2,212 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Chicago, IL | 2,804,582 | 540 | 3,472 | 4,012 |
| Houston, TX | 2,385,298 | 1,148 | 4,293 | 5,442 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 1,698,457 | 800 | 2,325 | 3,125 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 1,632,157 | 909 | 4,548 | 5,457 |
| San Antonio, TX | 1,573,237 | 594 | 4,624 | 5,218 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 4,130,831 | 728 | 1,484 | 2,212 |
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