Is Los Angeles or Scottsdale Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Scottsdale is safer than Los Angeles (Safety Score 40/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 2,029 per 100,000 versus 2,212 for Los Angeles — 8% lower. Los Angeles has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Scottsdale has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 15.5x 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
Scottsdale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Scottsdale, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Scottsdale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 2,028.7 | +183.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 153.3 | +575.2 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 0.4 | +6.5 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 33.8 | +6.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 22.0 | +187.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 96.2 | +375.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 1,875.3 | -391.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 182.3 | +190.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,534.8 | -683.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 158.2 | +101.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Scottsdale safer?
Scottsdale is safer with a total crime rate of 2,029 per 100K vs 2,212 for Los Angeles — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Scottsdale has 153.3. Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, Arizona, a vibrant Sonoran Desert city, is known for its luxurious resorts and the historic influence of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. Located east of Phoenix, it's a popular destination for affluent residents and tourists seeking outdoor recreation and upscale amenities. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 245,237, Scottsdale has a total crime rate of 2,028.7 per 100,000 residents.