Los Angeles, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Los Angeles, CA

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 52.4%. Specifically, there were 31772 violent crimes in Los Angeles, equivalent to 834 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 125.6%. Furthermore, Los Angeles recorded 103171 property crimes, amounting to 2708 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 38.6%.

Los Angeles ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 834 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Los Angeles stand at 1 in every 120 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Los Angeles ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Los Angeles, there were a total of 387 murders, translating to 10 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Los Angeles is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Los Angeles reported a total of 25493 vehicle thefts, resulting in 669 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 150, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Los Angeles?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Los Angeles. Based on the results of the surveys (502 responses), 30% of people felt that there was very little crime in Los Angeles and felt safe walking alone at night. While 70% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Los Angeles a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Los Angeles, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Los Angeles presents a total crime rate that is 52% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Los Angeles experiences an average of 369.71 daily crimes, comprising 87.05 violent incidents and 282.66 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Los Angeles Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Los Angeles. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Los Angeles has increased by 17.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 10%, while property crime has increased by 20.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Los Angeles region comprises an array of over 83 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Los Angeles are exemplars such as Brentwood, Pacific Palisades and Portar Ranch, whereas Chinatown, Civic Center-Little Tokyo and South Park grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.6%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. 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.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Los Angeles, the cost of living is 49.47% higher than the national average.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Los Angeles is $670,700, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Los Angeles crime map