Watts Neighborhood, Los Angeles
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safer than 18% of neighborhoods in Los Angeles
Safety at a Glance
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in Los Angeles
Is Watts Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Watts in Los Angeles, CA has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 143, which is 43% above the national average of 100. Watts is safer than 18% of neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Compared to the Los Angeles average (crime index 124), Watts is 19% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 151, 51% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 77).
Watts 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
|
140 | +40% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
144 | +44% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
108 | +8% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
151 | +51% | High | |
How Watts Compares
Crime index by category: Watts vs Los Angeles average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Watts Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Watts Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Watts, Los Angeles?
Watts in Los Angeles, CA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 143, which is 43% above the national average. Compared to the Los Angeles average, crime in Watts is 19% higher. Watts is safer than 18% of neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Is Watts a safe neighborhood in Los Angeles?
Watts has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 151), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 77).
How does Watts compare to the rest of Los Angeles?
Watts's overall crime index is 143, compared to the Los Angeles average of 124. This means crime in Watts is 19% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 131, and for property crime it is 112. 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 Watts?
The most prevalent crime type in Watts is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 151 (51% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Watts?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Green Meadows, Broadway-Manchester, Willowbrook and Vermont Vista. These areas are close to Watts and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Watts?
Watts has a population of approximately 39,255. The median household income is $35,092. The median home value is $483,666. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Watts crime compare to the national average?
Watts's overall crime rate is 43% above the national average (index 143 vs 100). Within Los Angeles, it is safer than 18% of neighborhoods. 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 April 2026.