Los Angeles, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Los Angeles, CA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 56% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 176 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 35 chance for property crime. Los Angeles has higher crime than 89% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Los Angeles has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 73% of the city's 80 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Beverlywood is one of the safest areas, while Baldwin Heights / Crenshaw has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Los Angeles is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles are Beverlywood, Bel Air, Griffith Park, Cheviot Hills, and Fairfax. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Los Angeles include Baldwin Heights / Crenshaw, Leimert Park, Downtown, Harvard Heights, and Westlake. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Los Angeles is 568.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 49% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 176 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 7.8 per 100K (56% above average); aggravated assault at 411.0 per 100K (53% above average); robbery at 106.5 per 100K (44% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Los Angeles is 2,872.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 57% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 35 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 301.3 per 100K (12% above average); larceny/theft at 2,057.4 per 100K (47% above average); vehicle theft at 513.4 per 100K (61% above average).

Los Angeles's overall crime rate is 56% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (61% above average), while burglary is 12% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Los Angeles has higher crime than 89% of them.

Visitors to Los Angeles should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 57% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Beverlywood, Bel Air, Griffith Park.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Los Angeles's crime rate is 56% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Los Angeles, with an estimated rate of 2,057.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 47% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,872 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (569 per 100K) in Los Angeles, which is consistent with national trends.