Is Los Angeles or Oakland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Oakland (Safety Score 35/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 9,156 for Oakland — 76% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Los Angeles has a 79% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 8.7x 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
Oakland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Oakland, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Oakland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 9,155.7 | -6,943.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 1,925.3 | -1,196.8 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 18.6 | -11.7 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 68.0 | -27.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 680.4 | -470.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 1,158.3 | -686.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 7,230.3 | -5,746.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 786.8 | -414.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 4,164.7 | -3,313.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 2,278.9 | -2,019.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Oakland safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 9,156 for Oakland — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Oakland has 1,925.3. 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 Oakland, CA
Oakland, a diverse East Bay city, boasts a rich history of activism and art, including its vibrant jazz scene. Geographically, it sits on the San Francisco Bay's eastern shore, home to a significant port and varied topography. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 435,042, Oakland has a total crime rate of 9,155.7 per 100,000 residents.