Is Los Angeles or South Pasadena Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than South Pasadena (Safety Score 35/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 2,723 for South Pasadena — 19% lower. Los Angeles has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where South Pasadena has a 71% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 150.5x 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
South Pasadena — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
South Pasadena, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | South Pasadena | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 2,723.2 | -510.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 210.1 | +518.5 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 4.0 | +3.0 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 19.8 | +20.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 75.3 | +134.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 111.0 | +360.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 2,513.1 | -1,029.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 333.0 | +39.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,890.8 | -1,039.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 289.4 | -29.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or South Pasadena safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 2,723 for South Pasadena — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while South Pasadena has 210.1. South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena, CA
Nestled in the San Gabriel Valley, South Pasadena is a small, affluent city with tree-lined streets and historic Craftsman homes. It's home to the iconic Rose Parade, drawing a diverse population with a median household income well above the national average. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 25,228, South Pasadena has a total crime rate of 2,723.2 per 100,000 residents.