Is Ellensburg or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Ellensburg (Safety Score 35/100 vs 30/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 2,409 for Ellensburg — 8% lower. Ellensburg has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ellensburg has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 205.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ellensburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ellensburg, WA
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ellensburg | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,409.1 | 2,212.5 | +196.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 227.4 | 728.5 | -501.2 |
| Murder Rate | 5.4 | 7.0 | -1.5 |
| Rape Rate | 92.0 | 40.3 | +51.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.7 | 209.9 | -188.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 108.3 | 471.4 | -363.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,181.7 | 1,483.9 | +697.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 243.6 | 372.8 | -129.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,856.9 | 851.5 | +1,005.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 81.2 | 259.6 | -178.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ellensburg or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 2,409 for Ellensburg — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ellensburg has a violent crime rate of 227.4 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Ellensburg has lower violent crime.
About Ellensburg, WA
Ellensburg, a Kittitas Valley city, is home to Central Washington University and a rich rodeo tradition. Its location east of the Cascade Mountains contributes to its drier climate and agricultural roots, with a population around 20,000. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 18,472, Ellensburg has a total crime rate of 2,409.1 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.