Los Angeles crime statistics chart showing 14% decline in homicides and property crime trends for 2024-2025

Los Angeles County Crime Statistics & Trends (2020–2025)

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Key Findings: Los Angeles Crime Statistics 2025

Overall Trend: Crime down across most categories since 2021 peak
Homicides: ↓ 14% in 2024 (282 vs 329 in 2023)
Shooting Victims: ↓ 19% in 2024
Property Crime: ↓ 6.7% in 2024
Geographic Disparity: 7X difference between safest and most dangerous neighborhoods
Safest Areas: Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood
Highest Crime: Downtown LA, Skid Row, Westlake

Quick Navigation

  1. How Bad is Crime in Los Angeles?
  2. Is Crime Rising or Falling?
  3. Homicide Rate Per 100,000
  4. Most Common Crime Types
  5. Highest Crime Neighborhoods
  6. LA vs Other Cities
  7. What's Being Done
  8. FAQ

Los Angeles crime statistics for 2024-2025 reveal significant improvements across most categories. After pandemic-era surges in 2020 and 2021, both violent and property crimes began declining across LA County by late 2023 and into 2024. Los Angeles crime data from official sources show homicides and shootings fell sharply in 2024, continuing into early 2025—putting the city on pace for its lowest homicide total in six decades, according to LAPD and California Department of Justice reports.

However, perception often lags reality. Public anxiety about theft, homelessness, and fentanyl-related deaths remains high even as major crime categories decline. This comprehensive analysis of Los Angeles crime statistics compiles data from LAPD, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD), California DOJ, Crosstown LA, and the L.A. Times to give residents, reporters, and researchers a clear picture of safety across the county.

This data also provides useful context for comparing safety across Southern California—for example, Orange County's crime rates are substantially lower than LA County's across most categories

1. How bad is crime in Los Angeles right now?

The City of Los Angeles recorded approximately 3,115 total crimes per 100,000 residents in 2024, roughly 30% higher than the national average. Nevertheless, both violent and property crimes have declined year-over-year across most categories.

According to the LAPD's year-end summary, Los Angeles crime statistics for 2024 show substantial improvements:

  • Homicides: down 14% (≈ 47 fewer victims)
  • Shooting victims: down 19%
  • Aggravated assaults: down ≈ 8%
  • Rape: down 7%
  • Robbery: unchanged year-over-year

Mayor Karen Bass noted the city is "moving in the right direction" after pandemic-era increases. These trends align with improving LA crime rates observed in other major California cities, though Los Angeles still experiences higher crime than suburban areas like Glendale and Pasadena.

2024 Crime Summary

Category 2023 2024 % Change
Homicide 329 282 −14%
Victims shot 1,264 1,025 −19%
Aggravated assault 18,350 16,970 −8%

(Source: LAPD End-of-Year 2024 report, Mayor's Office press briefing, Jan 2025)

For homeowners concerned about these statistics, understanding home security system options becomes increasingly important, particularly in higher-crime neighborhoods.

2. Is crime rising or falling countywide?

Across Los Angeles County, which includes 88 cities and unincorporated areas, overall reported crimes declined in 2024 compared with 2023. This trend represents a significant shift from the pandemic-era spike that peaked in 2021.

Key countywide trends:

  • LASD data show double-digit drops in homicides in several stations, including East Los Angeles and Compton
  • Statewide, California's homicide rate fell to ≈ 4.3 per 100,000 people in 2024 (from 6.1 in 2021)
  • Property crimes remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, largely driven by auto theft and shoplifting
  • Most cities within LA County reported decreases in violent crime throughout 2024

The improving Los Angeles crime statistics reflect coordinated efforts between LAPD, LASD, and community intervention programs targeting the root causes of crime. Additionally, many residents have invested in professional security systems to protect their properties.

3. What is the homicide rate per 100,000 in Los Angeles?

2024 Homicide Rates

  • City of L.A.: ~ 6.7 per 100,000
  • L.A. County overall: ~ 6.5 per 100,000 (≈ 649 murders in 2024)
  • California statewide: 4.3 per 100,000 in 2024 (CA DOJ OpenJustice)

While still above the state average, Los Angeles' homicide rate is far below 1990s levels, when it exceeded 30 per 100,000. The long-term decline reflects multiple factors, including:

  • Reductions in gang violence through intervention programs
  • Improved trauma-care survival rates at LA County hospitals
  • Enhanced law enforcement strategies targeting repeat offenders
  • Community safety partnerships in high-crime areas

These improvements demonstrate that comprehensive approaches combining enforcement with prevention yield measurable results in reducing violent crime.

4. What types of crime are most common?

Property crimes dominate Los Angeles crime statistics. Roughly 3 in 4 reported crimes in L.A. involve theft or burglary rather than violent offenses.

Crime Type Distribution (2024)

Type % of Total Crimes
Theft & larceny 46%
Burglary 18%
Auto theft 11%
Assault 9%
Robbery 6%
Other violent 5%

Notable Property Crime Trends

Vehicle thefts rose 22% from 2020 to 2023 but began easing in late 2024 as police targeted "Kia Challenge" theft rings exploiting social media trends. Consequently, many vehicle owners have installed additional security measures.

Shoplifting surged 80% from 2022 to 2023 (Crosstown LA), then leveled off after creation of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force. This spike prompted many retailers to invest in enhanced surveillance and video monitoring systems.

Residential burglaries declined ≈ 9% in 2024, partly attributed to increased home security adoption. Understanding burglary prevention strategies helps homeowners protect their properties effectively.

5. Which neighborhoods experience the highest crime rates?

Neighborhood disparities in Los Angeles crime statistics are extreme. Data from LAPD CompStat and Crosstown LA highlight dramatic contrasts in safety across the county.

Crime Rates by Neighborhood (per 100,000 residents)

Neighborhood Violent Crimes Property Crimes Total
Downtown (LAPD Central) 2,400 7,200 9,600
Skid Row (Central City East) 4,000 5,300 9,300
Westlake 1,800 3,900 5,700
Brentwood 240 1,400 1,640
Pacific Palisades 180 1,100 1,280

The citywide average sits at approximately 3,100 crimes per 100,000 residents. This means Downtown and Skid Row experience roughly triple the overall rate.

Understanding Geographic Disparities

Crosstown LA attributes persistent hot spots to several factors:

  • Dense street populations and homelessness concentration
  • Major transit hubs attracting transient crime
  • Concentrated retail zones vulnerable to organized theft
  • Economic disadvantage correlating with higher property crime

Conversely, affluent communities like Glendale and Pasadena maintain significantly lower crime rates through a combination of active neighborhood watch programs, strong community policing, and higher rates of residential security system adoption.

Residents in higher-crime areas increasingly turn to comprehensive home security solutions to protect their families and property.

6. What about other L.A. County cities?

Los Angeles crime statistics vary significantly across the county's 88 incorporated cities. While the City of Los Angeles garners most attention, other municipalities show diverse safety profiles.

Selected LA County Cities - 2024 Crime Data

Safest Cities:

  • Glendale: Cities like Glendale maintain crime rates well below the LA County average—in fact, comparable to many Orange County cities despite being in a higher-crime county.
  • Santa Clarita: Low violent crime rates; property crime down 8% in 2024
  • Palos Verdes Estates: Minimal violent crime; primarily low-level property offenses

Cities Showing Improvement:

  • Long Beach: 35 homicides (−12.5%) in 2024; property crime slightly down
  • Compton: Violent crime rates above county average but reported significant declines in 2024
  • Inglewood: Both violent and property crime decreased year-over-year

Areas of Concern:

  • Lancaster and Palmdale (LASD jurisdictions): Decreased robberies but uptick in vehicle thefts
  • Pomona: Higher-than-average property crime persists despite enforcement efforts

Local police department dashboards (LBPD, Glendale PD, Pasadena PD) confirm the same trend pattern observed citywide: violent crime down, property crime mixed.

Understanding your specific city's crime profile helps inform appropriate residential security decisions.

7. How does Los Angeles compare nationally?

Los Angeles crime statistics place the city in the middle tier when compared to other major U.S. metropolitan areas. According to CA DOJ and FBI data:

National Context

  • Los Angeles has a higher overall crime rate than the U.S. average but lower than cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and St. Louis
  • The city's violent crime rate (≈ 760 per 100,000) is roughly double the national mean of ≈ 380 per 100,000
  • Homicide rates: New York City and San Diego maintain lower rates, while Oakland and St. Louis report significantly higher rates

Comparative Analysis

Analysts note Los Angeles' improvement since 2022 tracks with a nationwide post-pandemic decline in violent crime. However, property crime reduction lags behind some peer cities.

Major factors distinguishing Los Angeles from comparably-sized cities include:

  • Geographic sprawl: 503 square miles, creating enforcement challenges
  • Homelessness crisis: Approximately 75,000 unhoused residents (2024 count)
  • Economic disparity: Wide income gaps correlate with neighborhood safety variations
  • Entertainment industry: High-value targets attracting organized theft rings

Despite challenges, recent improvements in the LA crime rate demonstrate effective strategies that balance enforcement with community intervention programs.

For residents considering a move within Southern California, Orange County has significantly lower crime rates than Los Angeles County, with violent crime rates approximately 50% lower across most categories.

8. What is being done to reduce crime?

Multiple stakeholders across Los Angeles County have implemented comprehensive strategies to reduce crime, yielding measurable results reflected in improved Los Angeles crime statistics.

Law Enforcement Actions

Gun Seizure Initiative

  • 7,634 illegal firearms removed in 2024 (↑ 10% from 2023)
  • 790 "ghost guns" (untraceable weapons) confiscated
  • Targeted operations in high-violence areas

Retail Crime Operations

  • Organized Retail Crime Task Force recovered ≈ $36 million in stolen goods
  • 427 arrests linked to retail theft rings
  • Multi-agency coordination with prosecutors

Infrastructure Protection

  • Copper-theft task force targeting utility and transit theft
  • "Operation Heavy Metal" arrested 100+ suspects in 2024
  • Partnership with scrap metal dealers to track stolen materials

Community Programs

Gang Reduction & Youth Development (GRYD)

  • Neighborhoods participating showed ≈ 40% homicide reductions relative to 2019 baselines
  • Intervention workers engage at-risk youth before gang involvement
  • Family support services addressing root causes

Community Safety Partnership (CSP)

  • Officers build relationships through consistent neighborhood presence
  • Youth programs providing alternatives to gang affiliation
  • Collaborative problem-solving with residents

Mental Health and Homeless Outreach

  • Expanded mental-health response units to prevent crimes linked to unhoused populations
  • Mobile crisis teams providing alternatives to arrest
  • Coordinated entry system connecting individuals to services

Individual Protection

While these systemic approaches show promise, many Los Angeles residents supplement community safety efforts with personal security measures, including professional alarm systems and video surveillance.

9. How does homelessness affect crime statistics?

The relationship between homelessness and Los Angeles crime statistics requires careful analysis to avoid misconceptions.

Victimization vs. Perpetration

Roughly 30% of violent crime incidents in 2024 occurred within a quarter mile of homeless encampments (LAPD Central and Hollenbeck divisions). However, data shows unhoused individuals are more likely to be victims than perpetrators of violent crime.

Key findings:

  • Unhoused individuals experience assault rates 5X higher than housed populations
  • Property crimes (theft from vehicles, shoplifting) show some correlation with encampment proximity
  • Violent crimes against persons predominantly occur between housed individuals

Fentanyl Crisis Impact

The L.A. Times and LA County Public Health link the increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths (1,900 in 2023 → >2,100 in 2024) to vulnerability among unsheltered people.

Overdose statistics:

  • Fentanyl involved in 68% of overdose deaths countywide
  • Homeless individuals represent 40% of overdose fatalities despite comprising 0.75% of county population
  • Hollywood area emerged as new hotspot for fentanyl-related crime

Officials stress that homelessness is primarily a risk factor for victimization rather than a driver of violent crime. Addressing homelessness through housing-first approaches, mental health services, and addiction treatment represents a public safety strategy backed by research.

10. How significant is the fentanyl and drug-related crisis?

Fentanyl has emerged as the dominant public health and safety crisis reflected in Los Angeles crime data, fundamentally changing the landscape of drug-related incidents.

Epidemic Scale

  • Fentanyl overdose deaths in L.A. County rose >1,000% since 2017
  • Fentanyl is now the leading cause of accidental death countywide, surpassing traffic collisions and gun violence
  • Hollywood Division saw a 250% increase in fentanyl-related arrests from 2023 to 2024

Law Enforcement Response

Narcan Distribution

  • LAPD officers now routinely carry naloxone (Narcan)
  • Over 15,000 doses distributed to community organizations in 2024
  • Street outreach teams provide overdose prevention education

Supply Disruption

  • Multi-agency task forces targeting distribution networks
  • Increased penalties for fentanyl trafficking under California law
  • Cross-border coordination with federal agencies

Public Health Integration

LA County Public Health expanded harm reduction strategies:

  • Safe injection sites under pilot programs
  • Medication-assisted treatment accessibility
  • Public awareness campaigns about fentanyl dangers

(Source: L.A. Times investigations, County Public Health reports)

The fentanyl crisis illustrates how LA crime statistics extend beyond traditional categories, requiring integrated public health and law enforcement responses.

11. What about catalytic-converter and copper-theft crimes?

Specialty theft crimes represent a significant component of Los Angeles property crime statistics, causing millions in damages and service disruptions.

Catalytic Converter Theft

Peak and Decline:

  • Peaked in 2022 with ≈ 8,000 reported thefts
  • Fell ≈ 30% by late 2024 following legislative intervention
  • California law now requires ID tracking and documentation for all catalytic converter sales

Most Targeted Vehicles:

  • Toyota Prius (31% of all catalytic converter thefts)
  • Honda Element
  • Ford F-150 and F-250 trucks
  • Hybrid vehicles generally (higher precious metal content)

Copper and Metal Theft

Infrastructure Impact:

  • Theft from streetlights, construction sites, and utility infrastructure
  • Multi-million-dollar problem causing service outages
  • LAPD's "Operation Heavy Metal" arrested over 100 suspects in 2024

Prevention Measures:

  • Enhanced scrap metal dealer regulations
  • Serial number etching programs
  • Increased penalties for infrastructure theft

Both theft types have prompted many property owners to install video surveillance systems and enhanced lighting to deter opportunistic criminals.

12. What challenges remain in 2025?

Despite improvements in Los Angeles crime statistics, several persistent challenges require ongoing attention.

Police Staffing Crisis

Current State:

  • LAPD currently employs ≈ 9,000 officers, down from 10,000 in 2019
  • Recruitment improving but retirements remain high
  • Response times affected in some divisions

Impact:

  • Proactive policing reduced in lower-priority areas
  • Community engagement programs stretched thin
  • Increased reliance on civilian response for non-violent calls

Organized Crime Evolution

Retail Theft Rings:

  • Continue shifting operations online and across county lines
  • Sophisticated fencing operations using e-commerce platforms
  • Cross-state distribution networks complicate prosecution

Auto Theft Syndicates:

  • Professional organizations targeting high-value vehicles
  • Use of technology to defeat modern security systems
  • International export of stolen vehicles

Perception Gap

Public Opinion vs. Reality:

  • Survey data show 50% of residents believe crime is rising
  • Major crime categories actually declining
  • Gap driven by viral videos and social media coverage
  • Sensationalized reporting creating disproportionate fear

This perception gap affects policy decisions, resource allocation, and community cohesion despite actual improvements in LA crime rates.

Many residents address personal security concerns through professional monitoring services regardless of statistical trends.

13. Where can residents and journalists verify the data?

Transparent access to Los Angeles crime statistics enables informed decision-making and accountability. Multiple sources provide regularly updated data.

Official Data Sources

Source What it Provides
LAPD CompStat Portal Weekly and year-to-date crime tables for each division
LASD Crime Dashboard Station-level reports for unincorporated areas and contract cities
Crosstown LA Monthly neighborhood breakdowns and trend analysis
CA DOJ OpenJustice Statewide homicide and crime rate comparisons
L.A. Times Crime Database Interactive maps and independent analysis
ABC7 & NBC LA Crime Coverage Breaking news and expert commentary

Using Official Data

LAPD CompStat:

  • Updated weekly every Tuesday
  • Downloadable Excel files for analysis
  • Comparison tools for year-over-year trends
  • Division-level granularity

California DOJ OpenJustice:

  • Standardized reporting across agencies
  • Historical data back to 1980s
  • Demographic breakdowns
  • County and city comparisons

Crosstown LA (USC Project):

  • Academic rigor with journalistic accessibility
  • Neighborhood-specific analysis
  • Data visualization tools
  • Context and expert interpretation

Cross-referencing multiple sources ensures accuracy when interpreting Los Angeles crime data.

Summary: What the Los Angeles Crime Statistics Tell Us

Los Angeles crime statistics for 2024-2025 paint a nuanced picture of public safety. The data clearly demonstrate improvement across most categories, with homicides reaching near-historic lows and violent crime declining 14.2% over five years. However, these citywide improvements mask significant geographic disparities and emerging challenges.

Key Takeaways

Progress Achieved:

  • Violent crime continues multi-year decline from pandemic peak
  • Homicides and shootings substantially reduced through targeted enforcement
  • Community intervention programs show measurable impact in participating neighborhoods
  • Property crime stabilizing after 2022-2023 surge

Persistent Challenges:

  • Extreme variation in safety between neighborhoods (7X difference)
  • Fentanyl crisis creating new public health and safety concerns
  • Organized retail and auto theft adapting to countermeasures
  • Police staffing affecting response capabilities
  • Public perception lagging statistical reality

Geographic Reality: The stark contrast between high-crime areas like Downtown and Skid Row compared to the relative safety of western neighborhoods illustrates how location fundamentally shapes public safety experiences in Los Angeles County. Residents of Glendale, Pasadena, and similar cities experience dramatically different safety realities than those in central Los Angeles.

Looking Forward

Sustained improvement requires continued investment in proven strategies: community intervention programs, mental health resources, addiction treatment, and appropriate law enforcement staffing. Simultaneously, addressing root causes—economic inequality, housing instability, and addiction—represents the long-term path to sustainable safety improvements.

For homeowners and businesses, understanding these Los Angeles crime trends informs security decisions. Many residents supplement community safety efforts with professional security systems tailored to their specific neighborhood risk profiles.

Los Angeles is not crime-free, but the data show clear momentum toward safer communities across most areas. The challenge lies in maintaining this progress while addressing persistent hot spots and emerging threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Valley Alarm Resources

Crime Analysis & Neighborhood Guides:

Security Solutions for Los Angeles:

Area-Specific Security Services:

Commercial Security:

Citations & Data Sources

This analysis compiles data from multiple authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness of Los Angeles crime statistics:

Primary Sources:

  1. LAPD Year-End Crime Statistics (2024) — City of Los Angeles Mayor's Office, Press Release, January 2025
  2. LAPD CompStat Data Portal — Los Angeles Police Department
  3. LASD Crime & Arrest Statistics Dashboard — Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
  4. CA DOJ OpenJustice — Crime in California (2024)
  5. California DOJ "Homicide in California" (2024 report)
  6. LA County Department of Public Health — Substance Use and Overdose Surveillance Reports (2024)
  7. Crosstown LA — "Los Angeles Sees Major Drop in Murders in First Half of 2023" and 2024 neighborhood crime reports
  8. Los Angeles Times — "L.A. on Pace for Lowest Homicide Total in 60 Years" and fentanyl impact series
  9. NBC Los Angeles — "LAPD 2024 Crime Statistics: Shootings and Homicides Decline"
  10. FOX 11 Los Angeles — "LAPD Reports Crime Drops Across Most Categories in 2024"
  11. ABC7 Los Angeles — "City Reports Double-Digit Drop in Shootings and Homicides"
  12. LAist — "Why the Public Thinks Crime Is Rising When It's Actually Falling"
  13. FBI Crime Data Explorer (NIBRS/UCR) — National context comparisons (2020–2024)
  14. Brennan Center for Justice — "Myths and Realities: Understanding Recent Trends in Violent Crime"
  15. City of Long Beach Police Department — Crime Statistics Portal
  16. Glendale Police Department — Annual Reports (2023–2024)
  17. L.A. County Sheriff's Department — "Operation Heavy Metal" press releases (2024)
  18. California Legislative Updates (2023–2024) — Catalytic converter and scrap metal theft prevention
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