Is Los Altos or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Altos is safer than New York City (Safety Score 63/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 1,289 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 58% 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: New York City is 280.8x 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
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Altos, CA
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Altos | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,289.3 | 3,039.7 | -1,750.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 77.8 | 671.4 | -593.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 3.9 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 10.2 | 23.4 | -13.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.9 | 187.5 | -170.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 50.8 | 456.2 | -405.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,211.5 | 2,368.3 | -1,156.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 253.8 | 154.7 | +99.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 903.5 | 2,015.0 | -1,111.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 54.1 | 198.5 | -144.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Altos or New York City safer?
Los Altos is safer with a total crime rate of 1,289 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Altos has a violent crime rate of 77.8 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. 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 New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.