Is Evanston or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Evanston (Safety Score 35/100 vs 21/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 2,884 for Evanston — 23% lower. Evanston has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Evanston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 51.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Evanston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Evanston, IL
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Evanston | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,883.6 | 2,212.5 | +671.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 141.6 | 728.5 | -587.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.0 | -7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 31.0 | 40.3 | -9.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 55.3 | 209.9 | -154.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 55.3 | 471.4 | -416.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,742.1 | 1,483.9 | +1,258.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 451.6 | 372.8 | +78.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,054.5 | 851.5 | +1,203.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 235.9 | 259.6 | -23.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Evanston or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 2,884 for Evanston — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Evanston has a violent crime rate of 141.6 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Evanston has lower violent crime.
About Evanston, IL
Evanston, a Chicago suburb on Lake Michigan, is home to Northwestern University, a prestigious private institution. Its diverse population reflects a mix of students, families, and long-time residents. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 74,178, Evanston has a total crime rate of 2,883.6 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.