Is Los Angeles or Northampton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Northampton is safer than Los Angeles (Safety Score 49/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 1,717 per 100,000 versus 2,212 for Los Angeles — 22% lower. Los Angeles has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Northampton has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 126.1x 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
Northampton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Northampton, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Northampton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 1,717.2 | +495.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 445.1 | +283.5 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 3.3 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 63.1 | -22.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 13.3 | +196.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 365.4 | +106.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 1,272.1 | +211.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 162.8 | +210.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,069.5 | -218.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 39.9 | +219.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Northampton safer?
Northampton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,717 per 100K vs 2,212 for Los Angeles — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Northampton has 445.1. Northampton 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 Northampton, MA
Nestled in the Pioneer Valley, Northampton, MA, a vibrant college town home to Smith College, boasts a progressive culture and a high proportion of residents with advanced degrees. Its historic downtown is a hub for independent businesses and the arts. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 30,108, Northampton has a total crime rate of 1,717.2 per 100,000 residents.