Los Angeles vs Houston Crime Comparison
Is Los Angeles or Houston Safer?
Los Angeles is the safer city, with a total crime rate 59% lower than Houston based on 2024 FBI data. Los Angeles has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Los Angeles has a 65% lower rate.
Los Angeles, CA
Safety Score
59/100
Population
3,796,352
Total Crime Rate
2,212.5
Category Wins
7/7
Houston, TX
Safety Score
1/100
Population
2,319,160
Total Crime Rate
5,441.7
Category Wins
0/7
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 5,441.7 | -3,229.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 1,148.3 | -419.7 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 13.8 | -6.9 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 73.0 | -32.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 274.0 | -64.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 787.4 | -316.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 4,293.5 | -2,809.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 644.8 | -272.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 2,945.7 | -2,094.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 703.0 | -443.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Houston safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Los Angeles has lower violent crime.