Is Boulder or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Boulder (Safety Score 35/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 3,055 for Boulder — 28% lower. Boulder has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boulder has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 36.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boulder — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boulder, CO
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boulder | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,055.3 | 2,212.5 | +842.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 322.3 | 728.5 | -406.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.0 | -7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 35.2 | 40.3 | -5.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 209.9 | -165.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 242.4 | 471.4 | -229.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,733.0 | 1,483.9 | +1,249.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 383.1 | 372.8 | +10.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,141.7 | 851.5 | +1,290.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 208.2 | 259.6 | -51.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 3,055 for Boulder — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boulder has a violent crime rate of 322.3 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Boulder has lower violent crime.
About Boulder, CO
Nestled at the base of the Flatirons, Boulder is home to a highly educated populace, with a significant portion holding advanced degrees. This university city, known for its outdoor recreation and progressive culture, sits at an elevation of 5,430 feet. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 105,195, Boulder has a total crime rate of 3,055.3 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.