Is Athens or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Athens is safer than Los Angeles (Safety Score 72/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 1,060 per 100,000 versus 2,212 for Los Angeles — 52% lower. Athens has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Athens has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 151.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Athens — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Athens, OH
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Athens | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,059.6 | 2,212.5 | -1,152.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 95.6 | 728.5 | -632.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.0 | -7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 12.0 | 40.3 | -28.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.9 | 209.9 | -193.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 67.7 | 471.4 | -403.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 964.0 | 1,483.9 | -519.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 87.6 | 372.8 | -285.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 812.6 | 851.5 | -38.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 63.7 | 259.6 | -195.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens or Los Angeles safer?
Athens is safer with a total crime rate of 1,060 per 100K vs 2,212 for Los Angeles — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Athens has a violent crime rate of 95.6 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Athens has lower violent crime.
About Athens, OH
Athens, Ohio, home to Ohio University, is nestled in the Appalachian foothills. This college town, with a population around 25,000, boasts a rich history, once serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 25,104, Athens has a total crime rate of 1,059.6 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.