Is Los Angeles or South San Francisco Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South San Francisco is safer than Los Angeles (Safety Score 45/100 vs 35/100), with a total crime rate of 1,859 per 100,000 versus 2,212 for Los Angeles — 16% lower. Los Angeles has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South San Francisco has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 61.0x 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 San Francisco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
South San Francisco, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | South San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 1,859.3 | +353.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 300.5 | +428.0 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 0.0 | +7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 22.5 | +17.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 35.4 | +174.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 242.7 | +228.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 1,558.8 | -74.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 102.9 | +269.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,107.2 | -255.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 348.7 | -89.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or South San Francisco safer?
South San Francisco is safer with a total crime rate of 1,859 per 100K vs 2,212 for Los Angeles — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while South San Francisco has 300.5. South San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco, once "The Industrial City," is a diverse Bay Area city located just north of San Francisco International Airport. Its waterfront location and proximity to major biotech firms define much of its character. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 62,229, South San Francisco has a total crime rate of 1,859.3 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare Los Angeles
Compare South San Francisco
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