Is Bel Air or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Bel Air (Safety Score 35/100 vs 34/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 2,245 for Bel Air — 1% lower. Bel Air has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Bel Air has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 364.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bel Air — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bel Air, MD
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bel Air | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,245.3 | 2,212.5 | +32.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 239.9 | 728.5 | -488.7 |
| Murder Rate | 9.6 | 7.0 | +2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 9.6 | 40.3 | -30.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.8 | 209.9 | -181.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 191.9 | 471.4 | -279.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,005.4 | 1,483.9 | +521.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 96.0 | 372.8 | -276.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,823.1 | 851.5 | +971.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 86.4 | 259.6 | -173.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bel Air or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 2,245 for Bel Air — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bel Air has a violent crime rate of 239.9 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Bel Air has lower violent crime.
About Bel Air, MD
Bel Air, Maryland, the county seat of Harford County, is a suburban community with a rich history, once serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Located north of Baltimore, its population is primarily composed of families and professionals. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 10,422, Bel Air has a total crime rate of 2,245.3 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.