Is Los Angeles or San Marcos Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than San Marcos (Safety Score 35/100 vs 26/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 2,617 for San Marcos — 15% lower. Los Angeles has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Marcos has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 52.2x 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
San Marcos — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
San Marcos, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | San Marcos | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 2,616.8 | -404.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 358.9 | +369.6 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 0.0 | +7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 96.3 | -56.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 37.1 | +172.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 225.5 | +245.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 2,257.9 | -774.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 266.8 | +106.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,600.6 | -749.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 390.5 | -130.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or San Marcos safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 2,617 for San Marcos — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while San Marcos has 358.9. San Marcos 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 Marcos, TX
San Marcos, a city in Hays County, is known for the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Spring Lake, home to several endangered species. Its population is primarily students attending Texas State University. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 72,723, San Marcos has a total crime rate of 2,616.8 per 100,000 residents.