Is Los Angeles or Norfolk Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Norfolk (Safety Score 35/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 4,242 for Norfolk — 48% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Norfolk has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 16.5x 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
Norfolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Norfolk, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Norfolk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 4,242.0 | -2,029.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 469.5 | +259.0 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 16.1 | -9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 40.4 | -0.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 77.2 | +132.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 335.9 | +135.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 3,772.5 | -2,288.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 254.3 | +118.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 3,122.9 | -2,271.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 395.3 | -135.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Norfolk safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 4,242 for Norfolk — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Norfolk has 469.5. Norfolk 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 Norfolk, VA
Norfolk, a historic port city in Southeast Virginia, is home to the world's largest naval base. Its waterfront location at the mouth of the Elizabeth River shapes its identity and economy, drawing a diverse population. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 230,460, Norfolk has a total crime rate of 4,242.0 per 100,000 residents.