Is Los Angeles or National City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than National City (Safety Score 35/100 vs 26/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 2,635 for National City — 16% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Los Angeles has a 23% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 69.1x 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
National City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
National City, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | National City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 2,635.0 | -422.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 695.6 | +32.9 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 7.3 | -0.3 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 29.1 | +11.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 222.2 | -12.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 437.0 | +34.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 1,939.4 | -455.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 242.2 | +130.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,039.8 | -188.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 657.4 | -397.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or National City safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 2,635 for National City — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while National City has 695.6. National City 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 National City, CA
National City, San Diego County's second-oldest city, boasts a historic mile-long pier. This diverse South Bay community, bordering San Diego, is home to a significant Filipino population. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 54,915, National City has a total crime rate of 2,635.0 per 100,000 residents.