Is Denver or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Denver (Safety Score 35/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 5,755 for Denver — 62% lower. Denver has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Los Angeles has a 69% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 5.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Denver — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Denver, CO
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Denver | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,754.7 | 2,212.5 | +3,542.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 993.2 | 728.5 | +264.6 |
| Murder Rate | 9.8 | 7.0 | +2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 93.6 | 40.3 | +53.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 176.2 | 209.9 | -33.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 713.4 | 471.4 | +242.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,761.6 | 1,483.9 | +3,277.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 708.0 | 372.8 | +335.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,821.6 | 851.5 | +1,970.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,231.9 | 259.6 | +972.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 5,755 for Denver — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Denver has a violent crime rate of 993.2 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Los Angeles has lower violent crime.
About Denver, CO
Denver, the "Mile High City," sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains, a hub of Western expansion since its 1858 founding during the Gold Rush. This rapidly growing city is home to a diverse population of over 700,000 residents. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 722,031, Denver has a total crime rate of 5,754.7 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.