Is Gainesville or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Gainesville (Safety Score 35/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 3,448 for Gainesville — 36% lower. Gainesville has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Los Angeles has a 45% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 25.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gainesville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gainesville, FL
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gainesville | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,447.8 | 2,212.5 | +1,235.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 744.1 | 728.5 | +15.6 |
| Murder Rate | 4.8 | 7.0 | -2.2 |
| Rape Rate | 85.7 | 40.3 | +45.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 133.3 | 209.9 | -76.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.2 | 471.4 | +42.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,703.7 | 1,483.9 | +1,219.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 307.4 | 372.8 | -65.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,292.9 | 851.5 | +1,441.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 103.4 | 259.6 | -156.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gainesville or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 3,448 for Gainesville — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gainesville has a violent crime rate of 744.1 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Los Angeles has lower violent crime.
About Gainesville, FL
Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, is a central North Florida city. Its humid subtropical climate supports a diverse population of over 140,000 residents. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 147,022, Gainesville has a total crime rate of 3,447.8 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.