Is Los Angeles or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 35/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 37% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Los Angeles has a 71% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 16.4x 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
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 3,516.3 | -1,303.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 336.9 | +391.6 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 24.2 | -17.2 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 18.6 | +21.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 94.5 | +115.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 199.7 | +271.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 3,179.4 | -1,695.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 265.3 | +107.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 2,386.9 | -1,535.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 527.2 | -267.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Richmond safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. Richmond 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 Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia, a city pivotal during the Civil War, sits along the fall line of the James River. It's a diverse city, home to a vibrant arts scene and a growing population of young professionals. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 231,805, Richmond has a total crime rate of 3,516.3 per 100,000 residents.