Is Las Vegas or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Las Vegas is safer than Los Angeles (Safety Score 37/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 2,122 per 100,000 versus 2,212 for Los Angeles — 4% lower. Las Vegas has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Las Vegas has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 296.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Las Vegas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Vegas, NM
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,122.4 | 2,212.5 | -90.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 655.4 | 728.5 | -73.1 |
| Murder Rate | 7.8 | 7.0 | +0.9 |
| Rape Rate | 23.4 | 40.3 | -16.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 39.0 | 209.9 | -170.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 585.2 | 471.4 | +113.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,466.9 | 1,483.9 | -17.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 249.7 | 372.8 | -123.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,108.0 | 851.5 | +256.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 109.2 | 259.6 | -150.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Vegas or Los Angeles safer?
Las Vegas is safer with a total crime rate of 2,122 per 100K vs 2,212 for Los Angeles — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Las Vegas has a violent crime rate of 655.4 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Las Vegas has lower violent crime.
About Las Vegas, NM
Las Vegas, NM, a city with a rich Wild West past and over 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, sits at 6,431 feet in elevation. Its diverse population reflects a blend of Hispanic and Anglo cultures. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 12,816, Las Vegas has a total crime rate of 2,122.4 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.