Is Los Angeles or Memphis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 35/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 76% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Los Angeles has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 6.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Memphis, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 9,406.9 | -7,194.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 2,508.0 | -1,779.4 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 40.6 | -33.7 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 70.0 | -29.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 348.7 | -138.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 2,042.1 | -1,570.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 6,899.0 | -5,415.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 915.8 | -543.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 4,399.5 | -3,548.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 1,583.6 | -1,324.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Memphis safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Memphis has 2,508.0. Los Angeles has lower violent crime.
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.
About Memphis, TN
Memphis, a city on the Mississippi River, is the birthplace of the blues and a major hub for the music industry. Its population is predominantly African American, reflecting a rich cultural heritage and diverse community. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 613,207, Memphis has a total crime rate of 9,406.9 per 100,000 residents.