Is Los Altos or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Altos is safer than Los Angeles (Safety Score 63/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 1,289 per 100,000 versus 2,212 for Los Angeles — 42% lower. Los Altos has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Los Altos has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 128.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Los Altos — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Altos, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Altos | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,289.3 | 2,212.5 | -923.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 77.8 | 728.5 | -650.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.0 | -7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 10.2 | 40.3 | -30.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.9 | 209.9 | -192.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 50.8 | 471.4 | -420.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,211.5 | 1,483.9 | -272.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 253.8 | 372.8 | -119.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 903.5 | 851.5 | +52.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 54.1 | 259.6 | -205.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Altos or Los Angeles safer?
Los Altos is safer with a total crime rate of 1,289 per 100K vs 2,212 for Los Angeles — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Altos has a violent crime rate of 77.8 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. Los Altos has lower violent crime.
About Los Altos, CA
Los Altos, California, a suburban community in Santa Clara County, was incorporated in 1956. Known for its affluent residential areas and a charming downtown, it's situated at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay Area. With a safety score of 63/100 and a population coverage of 29,551, Los Altos has a total crime rate of 1,289.3 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.