Is Los Angeles or Port Townsend Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Port Townsend is safer than Los Angeles (Safety Score 44/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100,000 versus 2,212 for Los Angeles — 15% lower. Los Angeles has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Port Townsend has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 357.7x 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
Port Townsend — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Port Townsend, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Port Townsend | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 1,884.3 | +328.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 471.1 | +257.5 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 0.0 | +7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 37.7 | +2.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 28.3 | +181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 405.1 | +66.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 1,413.2 | +70.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 169.6 | +203.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,177.7 | -326.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 66.0 | +193.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Port Townsend safer?
Port Townsend is safer with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100K vs 2,212 for Los Angeles — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Port Townsend has 471.1. Port Townsend 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 Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport on the Olympic Peninsula, is home to many artists and retirees. Its historic downtown, a National Historic Landmark, features well-preserved 19th-century architecture. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 10,614, Port Townsend has a total crime rate of 1,884.3 per 100,000 residents.