Is Los Angeles or San Luis Obispo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than San Luis Obispo (Safety Score 35/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 3,093 for San Luis Obispo — 28% lower. Los Angeles has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Luis Obispo has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 76.0x 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 Luis Obispo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | San Luis Obispo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 3,093.2 | -880.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 424.4 | +304.1 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 0.0 | +7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 60.1 | -19.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 82.1 | +127.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 282.3 | +189.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 2,668.8 | -1,184.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 322.3 | +50.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 2,196.3 | -1,344.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 150.2 | +109.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or San Luis Obispo safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 3,093 for San Luis Obispo — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while San Luis Obispo has 424.4. San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo, CA
Nestled in California's Central Coast, San Luis Obispo is home to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, founded in 1772. This city of roughly 47,000 residents boasts a vibrant downtown and is surrounded by rolling hills. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 49,948, San Luis Obispo has a total crime rate of 3,093.2 per 100,000 residents.