Is Los Angeles or Milwaukee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Milwaukee (Safety Score 35/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 4,135 for Milwaukee — 46% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Los Angeles has a 71% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 6.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Milwaukee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Milwaukee, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 4,135.0 | -1,922.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 1,434.3 | -705.8 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 23.9 | -17.0 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 68.2 | -27.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 308.2 | -98.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 1,030.7 | -559.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 2,700.7 | -1,216.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 388.1 | -15.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,255.1 | -403.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 1,057.4 | -797.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Milwaukee safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 4,135 for Milwaukee — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Milwaukee has 1,434.3. 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 Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, a city on Lake Michigan's western shore, boasts a rich brewing heritage and a diverse population. Its industrial past is evident in its architecture and strong community ties. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 560,416, Milwaukee has a total crime rate of 4,135.0 per 100,000 residents.