Is Los Angeles or South Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Portland is safer than Los Angeles (Safety Score 59/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 1,433 per 100,000 versus 2,212 for Los Angeles — 35% lower. Los Angeles has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Portland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 141.0x 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
South Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
South Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | South Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 1,433.3 | +779.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 63.1 | +665.4 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 0.0 | +7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 7.4 | +32.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 18.6 | +191.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 37.1 | +434.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 1,370.2 | +113.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 81.7 | +291.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,173.4 | -321.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 115.1 | +144.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or South Portland safer?
South Portland is safer with a total crime rate of 1,433 per 100K vs 2,212 for Los Angeles — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while South Portland has 63.1. South Portland 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 Portland, ME
South Portland, Maine, a coastal city across the harbor from Portland, is home to Bug Light Park, a popular spot for its picturesque lighthouse. Its population of over 26,000 residents reflects a mix of residential areas and commercial districts. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 26,931, South Portland has a total crime rate of 1,433.3 per 100,000 residents.