Is Los Angeles or Sacramento Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Sacramento (Safety Score 35/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 3,302 for Sacramento — 33% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Los Angeles has a 42% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 7.2x 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
Sacramento — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Sacramento, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Sacramento | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 3,302.5 | -1,090.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 755.1 | -26.6 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 8.5 | -1.6 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 34.6 | +5.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 192.2 | +17.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 519.7 | -48.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 2,547.3 | -1,063.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 441.6 | -68.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,596.1 | -744.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 509.6 | -250.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Sacramento safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 3,302 for Sacramento — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Sacramento has 755.1. 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 Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, California's state capital, sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. A key Gold Rush city, it's known for its tree-lined streets and diverse population. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 526,670, Sacramento has a total crime rate of 3,302.5 per 100,000 residents.