Is Los Angeles or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Portland (Safety Score 35/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 2,746 for Portland — 19% lower. Los Angeles has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Portland has a 76% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 54.8x 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
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 2,745.6 | -533.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 266.9 | +461.6 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 7.2 | -0.3 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 41.8 | -1.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 50.5 | +159.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 167.4 | +304.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 2,478.7 | -994.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 145.7 | +227.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 2,177.2 | -1,325.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 155.8 | +103.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Portland safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 2,746 for Portland — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Portland has 266.9. Portland 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 Portland, ME
Portland, Maine, a coastal city with a deep maritime history, is the most populous city in the state. Its working waterfront and vibrant arts scene reflect its heritage and modern demographic mix. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 69,310, Portland has a total crime rate of 2,745.6 per 100,000 residents.