Los Angeles is one of the most iconic cities in the world, known for its beaches, entertainment industry, diverse neighborhoods, and endless sunshine. But behind the glamour, many people still wonder: Is Los Angeles safe? What is the crime rate in Los Angeles? In fact, crime varies widely across the city, and understanding those differences is essential for both residents and visitors.
In this guide, we explore the currentĀ Los Angeles crime rate statistics and compare LAās standing with other major U.S. cities. Youāll also learn which neighborhoods are safest, which areas to avoid, and practical tips for living in or visiting Los Angeles safely. Get started now!
What Is the Latest Los Angeles Crime Rate?
The full 2024 crime dataset shows that Los Angeles continues to face substantial public-safety challenges, even as the city invests in policing reforms and community initiatives.
With a population of 3,796,352, Los Angeles recorded 27,656 violent crimes in 2024, producing a violent-crime rate of 728 incidents per 100,000 residents. Although this is lower than in cities such as Detroit or St. Louis, it remains well above the national average. Aggravated assaults (17,895 cases) make up the majority of violent crime, followed by 7,967 robberies, 1,530 rapes, and 264 homicides, the latter continuing to draw concern from city leaders.
Property crime represents an even larger share of LAās overall crime volume. The city reported 56,335 property crimes, resulting in a property-crime rate of 1,484 per 100,000 residents. Larceny-theft (32,326 cases) dominates this category, reflecting persistent issues with retail theft, auto-part theft, and pickpocketing. Motor-vehicle theft remains a major issue as well, with 9,857 stolen vehicles, placing Los Angeles among the top U.S. cities for auto-related crime.
How Does Los Angelesās Crime Rate Compare to Other U.S. Cities?
When viewed alongside other major U.S. metros, Los Angeles presents a mixed safety picture: it is neither the safest nor the most dangerous large city. Among the countryās four largest citiesāNew York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and HoustonāLA consistently falls in the middle for both violent and property crime.
Los Angelesā 728 violent-crime rate is slightly higher than New York Cityās 671 and significantly higher than Chicagoās roughly 540, but far below Houstonās 1,148, the highest among the group. This positions LA as a higher-risk metro but not at the extreme end of major-city violence.
Property crime trends tell a different story. With 56,335 property crimes and a rate of 1,484 per 100,000 residents, Los Angeles ranks below its major peers. New York City reported 196,549 property crimes, Chicago recorded 91,626, and Houston reported 99,572, one of the highest per-capita rates in the nation. In this category, Los Angeles falls closer to the middle range of major U.S. cities rather than the top.
Nationally, Los Angeles still ranks above average for violent crime, but is no longer an outlier. Its property-crime rate sits closer to the national middle ground, reflecting persistent challenges paired with gradual improvements.
Overall, Los Angeles remains a city with meaningful safety concerns, but not the disproportionate crime hotspot it is often perceived to be.
Which Los Angeles Neighborhoods Are the Safest &Ā Which to Watch?
In a city as sprawling and diverse as Los Angeles, neighborhood matters more than ever.
Some areas consistently rank among the safest in the region, offering a strong sense of security, walkable streets, and lower incident rates. Neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades, Westwood, Beverlywood and Rancho Park are often cited in recent analyses as among the lowest-crime zones in Los Angeles, thanks to a mix of neighborhood vigilance, fewer vacant properties, and consistent police presence.
Is downtown Los Angeles safe? Not really. Downtown LAĀ and several nearby neighborhoodsĀ remain significantly higher-risk, and for visitors or newcomers, the contrast can be dramatic. Areas such as Downtown Los Angeles (especially the Skid Row corridor), Watts, South Los Angeles, and parts of Hollywood continue to experience elevated levels of both violent and property crime. Recent countywide reports show that some of these neighborhoods record crime rates several times higher than the citywide average.
How to Live or Visit Safely in Los Angeles
Given the somewhat high crime rate in Los Angeles, staying safe requires a mix of smart planning, situational awareness, and the right tools. Whether youāre a long-term resident or a short-term visitor, the tips below can help you navigate LA comfortably and confidently.
Choose Accommodations Wisely
Where you stay makes a major difference in Los Angeles. Crime levels vary sharply from one neighborhood to the next, so choosing the right base is your first layer of protection.
Opt for hotels or rentals in consistently safer areas such as Westwood, Pacific Palisades, Sherman Oaks, or Toluca Lake, neighborhoods known for strong community presence, good lighting, and lower incident rates. Visitors should also look for properties with visible security measures, gated entrances, or on-site management, while residents should consider buildings with reliable security protocols and active neighborhood involvement. Choosing the right location sets the tone for a safer stay before youāve even unpacked.
Invest in Security Technology
Modern security tech is one of the most effective ways to stay protected in Los Angeles, especially in neighborhoods affected by high theft and property crime.
Start by installing security cameras around doorways, driveways, and outdoor access points. The eufyCam S4Ā offers 4K clarity, long-range tracking, and smart alerts designed to detect meaningful activity.
For complete coverage, upgrade to a whole-home NVR system. The eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 MaxĀ provides continuous 24/7 recording, secure local storage, and unified multi-camera monitoringāmaking it far more robust than any single camera.
Entry points matter, too. A video doorbell helps you screen visitors and deter porch theft. The eufy Video Doorbell E340Ā offers sharp 2K Full HD clarity with color night vision, instant notifications, and two-way audio, making it a powerful tool for everyday protection.
Lastly, for indoor visibility, the eufy Indoor Cam S350Ā offers 4K detail, AI tracking, and full-room pan-and-tilt coverage. Together, these tools build a strong, layered security shield that works day and night.
Strengthen Community Connections
Technology like video doorbellsĀ is powerful, but community remains one of Los Angelesās strongest safety tools.
Get to know your neighbors, join local groups, and participate in community apps or neighborhood meetings. Staying connected helps residents identify suspicious activity early, share real-time information, and keep an eye on one anotherās homes when someone is away. A strong community networkĀ combined with smart tech and thoughtful planningĀ creates a safer environment for everyone living in or visiting Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Overall, the Los Angeles crime rateĀ remains higher than the national average, especially in violent crimes. However, LA is far from the most dangerous major U.S. city, and many neighborhoods remain stable, vibrant, and safe for both residents and visitors. By sticking to practical safety guidelines and investing in strong security tools, such as security cameras, video doorbells, or full security systems like the eufy ExpertSecure System, you can significantly reduce risks and enjoy Los Angeles with far greater confidence and peace of mind.
FAQs
Where does LA rank in crime?
Los Angeles ranks in the middle range among major U.S. cities for overall crime. Its violent-crime rate is above the national average, but it remains safer than cities like Detroit, St. Louis, and Houston, placing it in a moderate-risk category.
Which Areas in Los Angeles have the highest crime rates?
Neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Los Angeles include Chesterfield Square, parts of South Los Angeles, Downtown LA, especially the Skid Row area, along with sections of Hollywood and Compton. These areas experience elevated violent crime, theft, and motor-vehicle theft.
Is it safe to live in LA now?
Yes, Los Angeles is generally safe to live in, but safety varies widely between neighborhoods. Many areas are stable and family-friendly, while others experience higher crime levels. Choosing the right community and using practical safety measures like security camerasĀ greatly improves overall security.
Is Koreatown, Los Angeles safe?
Koreatown is generally safe, especially in its busy central areas, and ranks among the safer neighborhoods in Los Angeles. However, as a dense urban district, visitors and residents should still use standard big-city caution, particularly at night or on quieter side streets.
