Is Carlsbad or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carlsbad is safer than Los Angeles (Safety Score 49/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 1,710 per 100,000 versus 2,212 for Los Angeles — 23% lower. Carlsbad has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Carlsbad has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 33.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Carlsbad — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carlsbad, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Carlsbad | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,710.3 | 2,212.5 | -502.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 199.1 | 728.5 | -529.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.9 | 7.0 | -6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 6.2 | 40.3 | -34.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.5 | 209.9 | -175.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 157.5 | 471.4 | -313.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,511.2 | 1,483.9 | +27.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.2 | 372.8 | -136.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,166.1 | 851.5 | +314.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 108.8 | 259.6 | -150.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlsbad or Los Angeles safer?
Carlsbad is safer with a total crime rate of 1,710 per 100K vs 2,212 for Los Angeles — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Carlsbad has a violent crime rate of 199.1 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Carlsbad has lower violent crime.
About Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad is a coastal city in northern San Diego County, known for LEGOLAND California, which opened in 1999. Its affluent population enjoys a Mediterranean climate and seven miles of picturesque beaches. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 113,023, Carlsbad has a total crime rate of 1,710.3 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.