Is Iowa City or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Iowa City is safer than Los Angeles (Safety Score 40/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100,000 versus 2,212 for Los Angeles — 10% lower. Iowa City has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Iowa City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 50.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Iowa City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Iowa City, IA
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Iowa City | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,995.2 | 2,212.5 | -217.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 321.3 | 728.5 | -407.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.0 | -7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 54.0 | 40.3 | +13.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.0 | 209.9 | -159.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 217.3 | 471.4 | -254.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,673.8 | 1,483.9 | +189.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 156.7 | 372.8 | -216.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,389.4 | 851.5 | +537.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 127.7 | 259.6 | -131.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa City or Los Angeles safer?
Iowa City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100K vs 2,212 for Los Angeles — a 10% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Iowa City has a violent crime rate of 321.3 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Iowa City has lower violent crime.
About Iowa City, IA
Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa and its renowned Writers' Workshop, sits along the Iowa River. This vibrant Midwestern city in Johnson County boasts a diverse population, including a significant student presence. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 75,934, Iowa City has a total crime rate of 1,995.2 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.