Is Fresno or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Fresno (Safety Score 35/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 4,008 for Fresno — 45% lower. Fresno has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Los Angeles has a 55% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 6.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fresno — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fresno, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fresno | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,007.5 | 2,212.5 | +1,795.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 736.2 | 728.5 | +7.7 |
| Murder Rate | 5.9 | 7.0 | -1.1 |
| Rape Rate | 44.6 | 40.3 | +4.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 167.9 | 209.9 | -42.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 517.1 | 471.4 | +45.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,271.3 | 1,483.9 | +1,787.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 396.2 | 372.8 | +23.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,204.1 | 851.5 | +1,352.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 671.1 | 259.6 | +411.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresno or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 4,008 for Fresno — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fresno has a violent crime rate of 736.2 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Los Angeles has lower violent crime.
About Fresno, CA
Fresno, the "Raisin Capital of the World," is a Central Valley city with a diverse population exceeding 540,000. Its agricultural roots are deep, situated amidst fertile farmland and experiencing hot, dry summers. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 546,722, Fresno has a total crime rate of 4,007.5 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.