Is Los Angeles or San Bernardino Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than San Bernardino (Safety Score 35/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 3,795 for San Bernardino — 42% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Los Angeles has a 49% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 16.9x 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 Bernardino — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
San Bernardino, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | San Bernardino | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 3,794.8 | -1,582.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 897.1 | -168.5 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 11.2 | -4.2 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 49.9 | -9.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 241.2 | -31.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 594.8 | -123.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 2,897.7 | -1,413.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 455.2 | -82.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,677.4 | -825.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 765.1 | -505.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or San Bernardino safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 3,795 for San Bernardino — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while San Bernardino has 897.1. 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 San Bernardino, CA
Nestled in the Inland Empire, San Bernardino is a diverse city historically linked to the Santa Fe Railroad. Its population of over 200,000 residents enjoys views of the San Bernardino Mountains. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 224,283, San Bernardino has a total crime rate of 3,794.8 per 100,000 residents.