Is Los Angeles or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Pittsburgh (Safety Score 35/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh — 18% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Pittsburgh has a 41% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 12.0x 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
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 2,708.6 | -496.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 428.5 | +300.1 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 11.4 | -4.4 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 51.7 | -11.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 124.2 | +85.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 239.9 | +231.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 2,280.1 | -796.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 232.7 | +140.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,704.4 | -852.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 343.0 | -83.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Pittsburgh safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains where three rivers meet, Pittsburgh is a city of bridges and former steel mills. Its rich industrial past shaped its distinct neighborhoods and resilient, diverse population. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 317,177, Pittsburgh has a total crime rate of 2,708.6 per 100,000 residents.