Is Los Angeles or San Rafael Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than San Rafael (Safety Score 35/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 3,015 for San Rafael — 27% lower. Los Angeles has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Rafael has a 76% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 64.3x 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 Rafael — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
San Rafael, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | San Rafael | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 3,015.1 | -802.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 559.0 | +169.6 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 1.7 | +5.3 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 50.8 | -10.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 149.1 | +60.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 357.4 | +114.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 2,456.1 | -972.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 264.2 | +108.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,770.1 | -918.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 421.8 | -162.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or San Rafael safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 3,015 for San Rafael — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while San Rafael has 559.0. San Rafael 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 Rafael, CA
Nestled in Marin County, San Rafael is a Bay Area city with a rich history, home to Mission San Rafael Arcángel, one of California's original missions. Its diverse population of over 60,000 residents reflects a blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 59,037, San Rafael has a total crime rate of 3,015.1 per 100,000 residents.