Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown Neighborhood, Los Angeles
Last updated: October 2, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Average crime levels — comparable to the national average
Summary: Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown, Los Angeles Crime Rate (2026)
Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown, Los Angeles, CA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is 69% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: October 2, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Los Angeles
Is Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown Safe?
It's average — crime is comparable to the national average. Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown in Los Angeles, CA has a safety grade of C. The overall crime index is 169, which is 69% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Los Angeles average (crime index 124), Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown is 45% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 180, 80% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 27).
Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Los Angeles city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
156 | +56% | High | |
|
Assault
|
180 | +80% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
144 | +44% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
27 | -73% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
139 | +39% | Moderate | |
How Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown Compares
Crime index by category: Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown vs Los Angeles average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
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Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown, Los Angeles?
Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown in Los Angeles, CA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime index is 169, which is 69% above the national average. Compared to the Los Angeles average, crime in Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown is 45% higher.
Is Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown a safe neighborhood in Los Angeles?
Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown has a mixed safety picture with a crime grade of C, and an overall crime index 169 (69% above the national average). Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Assault (index: 180), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 27).
How does Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown compare to the rest of Los Angeles?
Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown's overall crime index is 169, compared to the Los Angeles average of 124. This means crime in Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown is 45% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 127, and for property crime it is 137. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown?
The most common crime type in Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown is Assault, with a crime index of 180 (80% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more common than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Sawtelle, West Los Angeles, Rancho Park and Veterans Administration. These areas are close to Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown?
Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown has a population of approximately 1,012. The median household income is $97,741. The median home value is $906,729. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown crime compare to the national average?
Little Osaka / Sawtelle Japantown's overall crime rate is 69% above the national average (index 169 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated October 2026.