Is Atwater or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Atwater (Safety Score 35/100 vs 21/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 2,904 for Atwater — 24% lower. Atwater has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Atwater has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 118.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Atwater — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Atwater, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Atwater | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,904.1 | 2,212.5 | +691.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 710.4 | 728.5 | -18.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.2 | 7.0 | -0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 56.1 | 40.3 | +15.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 56.1 | 209.9 | -153.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 592.0 | 471.4 | +120.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,193.6 | 1,483.9 | +709.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 271.1 | 372.8 | -101.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,748.0 | 851.5 | +896.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 174.5 | 259.6 | -85.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atwater or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 2,904 for Atwater — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Atwater has a violent crime rate of 710.4 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Atwater has lower violent crime.
About Atwater, CA
Atwater, in Merced County, is a Central Valley city with roots in agriculture and the former Castle Air Force Base. Its diverse population reflects a blend of rural and suburban influences. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 32,093, Atwater has a total crime rate of 2,904.1 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.