Is Arcata or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Arcata (Safety Score 35/100 vs 34/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 2,271 for Arcata — 3% lower. Arcata has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Arcata has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 198.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Arcata — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Arcata, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Arcata | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,271.4 | 2,212.5 | +59.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 507.7 | 728.5 | -220.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.0 | -7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 73.3 | 40.3 | +33.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 120.4 | 209.9 | -89.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 314.0 | 471.4 | -157.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,763.8 | 1,483.9 | +279.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 193.7 | 372.8 | -179.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,423.6 | 851.5 | +572.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 146.5 | 259.6 | -113.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arcata or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 2,271 for Arcata — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Arcata has a violent crime rate of 507.7 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Arcata has lower violent crime.
About Arcata, CA
Arcata, California, a Humboldt Bay city and home to Cal Poly Humboldt, is known for its redwood forests and counter-culture heritage. Its population of around 19,000 residents enjoys a temperate climate and a strong sense of community. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 19,107, Arcata has a total crime rate of 2,271.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, a sprawling Southern California metropolis, is a major Pacific Rim gateway, home to Hollywood's film industry. Its diverse population of nearly 4 million people resides across a vast urban landscape bordered by mountains and the Pacific Ocean. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 3,796,352, Los Angeles has a total crime rate of 2,212.5 per 100,000 residents.