Los Angeles Crime Rate and Statistics [2024 Updated]

Last year, violent crime in Los Angeles dropped 3% compared to the year prior. Many continue to perceive the second-largest city in the United States as unsafe, city officials said following news of the modest dip in crime. Homicides are down 17% compared to the year prior. While some violent crimes are trending downward, others are seeing an increase in Los Angeles crime rates.

How Does Los Angeles Rank in Crime?

Neighborhood Scout ranks Los Angeles as safer than 7% of U.S. cities. The violent crime rate is 8.38 per 1,000 residents. California’s violent crime rate is 4.99 per 1,000 residents, meaning Los Angeles has a significantly higher violent crime rate than the surrounding state. Property crime rates in Los Angeles are 27.53 per 1,000 residents, and the average number of violent crimes committed per year in the city is 32,000.

Based on data from Neighborhood Scout, the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles are:

• University of California Los Angeles
• Bell Canyon
• Mulholland Park
• Deer Lake Highlands
• Castellammare
• Royal Oak
• Pacific Palisades Northwest

Your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Los Angeles is 1 in 119. Statewide, the chances are 1 in 200. The odds of being a victim of a property crime (like auto theft) is 1 in 36 in the city and 1 in 43 statewide.

The crime rate per square mile in Los Angeles is 290 compared to the state average of 84.

Crime Trends in Los Angeles

The number of homicide victims dropped from 392 in 2022 to 327 in 2023. During that same time period, more people died in traffic collisions. For the first time in nine years, the number of people who died in car accidents surpassed the number of people killed in homicides. Last year saw a record 336 traffic fatalities. A spokesperson for LAPD said his department is prioritizing traffic safety. LA’s South Bureau saw a significant 23% decrease in homicides in 2023 compared to the year prior.

Last year, LAPD reported an average homicide clearance rate of 76%. This rate refers to homicide cases that resulted in arrest. By bureau, the clearance rates in 2023 were:

• West Bureau: 95%
• South Bureau: 81%
• Valley Bureau: 80%
• Central Bureau: 64%

Violent Crimes

Although violent crimes went down 3.2% between 2023 and 2022, the crimes classified as Part 1 crimes were up 1.9% compared to the year period.

There were 127 fewer shooting victims across the city compared to 2022, a drop of 10%. The Central Bureau saw the most significant decrease in shoot victims, down 14% from the year prior. In a public statement, LAPD credited the reduction in shooting victims to the seizure of more than 8,000 firearms from the streets.

Property Crimes and Thefts

Property crimes are trending upward. Last year saw a 3.5% increase compared to 2022. Thefts of motor vehicles increased 2% last year. LAPD’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force made 128 arrests last year and recovered 15 firearms and $150,000 in stolen property.

Traffic-Related Crimes

Traffic-related crimes in Los Angeles include DWIs, driving under the influence of drugs, reckless driving, and felony hit-and-run collisions. All occur on the roads in Los Angeles. Last year, the following increases or decreases were observed in these areas:

• Hit-and-run crashes that resulted in fatalities increased by 23%
• Driving under the influence crashes resulting in death increased by 32%
• Pedestrian deaths caused by vehicle collisions increased by 13%

Rounding out LAPD’s 2023 findings are a reduction in homeless-related homicides of 36%, a 10% decrease in Part 1 crimes, and a 26% decrease in gang-related homicides.

Los Angeles Mayor Takes Steps to Reduce Crime

The mayor of Los Angeles recently announced a comprehensive plan to address crime rates in Los Angeles, which includes the following initiatives:

• Increasing the capacity to respond to emergency medical responses to 911 calls
• Continued funding for LAPD’s Retail Theft Task Force
• Formation of the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety that focuses on community-led approaches to increase public safety
• A new $13 million investment in the Gang Reduction and Youth Development program provides critical intervention services
• Increased base salary for employees with the Summer Night Lights program
• Creation of a new program to provide meals to 397,400 Angelenos in public housing developments across the city
• New efforts to combat drug overdose through the training of city employees in how to administer NARCAN

There is still much more work to do, the mayor said of the initiative that makes use of new public funds.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Los Angeles?

A: The safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles are the University of California Los Angeles, Bell Canyon, Mulholland Park, Deer Lake Highlands, and Castellammare. These communities tend to be more affluent and have a heavier police and security presence. The safety of a city’s neighborhood is measured by per capita crime rates relative to the overall city’s average crime rate.

Q: How Safe Is It to Live in LA?

A: Los Angeles is statistically more dangerous than 93% of U.S. cities, meaning it is one of the more dangerous cities to live in. Each neighborhood has unique public safety statistics. Overall, crime is an average of the entire city. Research which communities are safer, and you can reduce your risk of becoming a crime victim.

Q: Is Downtown LA Safe?

A: Downtown Los Angeles has a higher crime rate than the majority of U.S. cities, but that is just based on averages. Crimes occur in the safest communities in the country, and many pockets of downtown LA are relatively safe. Avoid walking alone at night, lock your car, and you will be at a much lower risk of experiencing a crime.

Q: Is It Safe to Walk Downtown Los Angeles at Night?

A: It is safe to walk Downtown Los Angeles at night if certain precautions are taken. Los Angeles has a higher crime rate than the majority of U.S. cities, and downtown areas tend to have higher crime rates in general. Staying with friends and avoiding poorly lit areas can improve your safety in Downtown Los Angeles.

Schedule Your Los Angeles Attorney Consultation Today

When certain precautions are taken, such as avoiding walking alone at night and avoiding dark and poorly lit parks, much of Los Angeles is relatively safe. Any large city will have a larger number of reported crimes, and Los Angeles is no exception.

If you ever need the services of a Los Angeles defense attorney, you can rely on the legal services of Gibbons & Gibbons to fight for your rights and interests. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.