Is Los Angeles or Missoula Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Missoula (Safety Score 35/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 4,226 for Missoula — 48% lower. Los Angeles has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Missoula has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 48.1x 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
Missoula — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Missoula, MT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Missoula | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 4,226.3 | -2,013.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 596.9 | +131.7 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 2.5 | +4.4 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 106.5 | -66.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 45.6 | +164.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 442.3 | +29.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 3,629.4 | -2,145.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 323.2 | +49.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 3,108.6 | -2,257.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 197.7 | +62.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Missoula safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 4,226 for Missoula — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Missoula has 596.9. Missoula 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 Missoula, MT
Missoula, a vibrant university town in western Montana, is nestled in the Rocky Mountains at the confluence of three rivers. Home to the University of Montana, it boasts a youthful population and a strong appreciation for outdoor recreation and arts. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 78,911, Missoula has a total crime rate of 4,226.3 per 100,000 residents.