Is Los Angeles or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 35/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 58% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Los Angeles has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 2.5x 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
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 5,219.0 | -3,006.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 595.3 | +133.2 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 8.4 | -1.4 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 83.7 | -43.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 108.4 | +101.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 393.7 | +77.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 4,623.6 | -3,139.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 495.6 | -122.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 3,291.8 | -2,440.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 836.3 | -576.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or San Antonio safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.