For your next trip, business trip or rental search, you want to identify the dangerous neighborhoods to avoid in Los Angeles.
Indeed, everyone knows that there are risky areas but very often we do not know exactly where they are located.
Moreover, the perception of safety in Los Angeles is not necessarily in line with reality. In fact, it can be seen that Los Angeles' reputation for safety is badly tarnished by sensationalist media portrayals.
Although some areas of the city are more prone to crime, the general perception of insecurity is sometimes exaggerated.
So, in this article, we're going to check out how crime-ridden Los Angeles is, identify the most dangerous neighborhoods, and advise you on the safest areas for visitors.
How dangerous is Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a city whose danger level is average for American cities.
Indeed, according to Numbeo, in 2024 Los Angeles ranks 28th most criminal city in North America out of 56 cities ranked.
In comparison, with a crime index of 53.06, Los Angeles remains safer than Long Beach, Oakland, Santa Ana ou San Francisco.
According to statistics, the crime rate in Los Angeles has seen a significant decline in recent years. However, some types of crimes, such as burglaries and car thefts, remain higher than the national average.
Additionally, it is important to note that crime is not evenly distributed across the city, with some neighborhoods being more affected than others.
Los Angeles neighborhood map
It's difficult to understand how the city of Los Angeles is organized and to find your way around all of its neighborhoods.
In fact, the city is divided into 9 major parts. Each of these areas has many neighborhoods. That's why it's best to find your way around on a map.
To better locate the areas to avoid in Los Angeles listed below, here is a map of the city's main neighborhoods: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JzDRzNb1w6fJmEpt7
The 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Los Angeles
Check out the list of LA's most dangerous neighborhoods below, according to 2024 publications and the latest statistics:
- Downtown LA (DTLA) : Crime rate 530% higher than national average – Homelessness, pickpocketing and burglary problems
- West Adams : Crime rate of 6 per 811 people – Residents have a 100 in 000 chance of being a victim of crime. The most common crimes are gun violence, armed robbery, assault and theft.
- Skid Row : Home to one of the largest homeless populations in the United States – Crime has increased 59% in the last decade
- Hollywood : Hollywood's violent crime rate is 243% higher than the national average.
- South Los Angeles (South LA): The violent crime rate in South Los Angeles is very high and increasing.
- Compton : The violent crime rate stands at 1 per 141 residents, more than three times the national average of 100 per 000 residents. This rate places Compton among the most dangerous communities in America.
- Watts : Watts' violent crime rate is 367% higher than the national average.
- Koreatown : this district being 58% more dangerous than the national average.
- fashion district : Violent crime is particularly common in the Fashion District: 204% higher than the national average.
- North Hollywood : This area used to be among the most dangerous in LA. But in recent years, North Hollywood has become safer when it comes to violent crime despite an overall crime rate higher than the national average.
For more details, please consult the LADP, the official website of the Los Angeles police: LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Safest Neighborhoods in Los Angeles
It's hard to tell you which is the best and the most beautiful neighborhood in Los Angeles. Indeed, all the most beautiful districts of the city have their own identity and specificities which will be appreciated by some and perhaps not by others. It's all a matter of taste.
However, I will tell you below the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles in 2024 according to the latest statistics:
- Bel Air
- Tujunga
- Sherman Oaks
- Studio City
- Playa vista
- Mar vista
- Brentwood
- Cheviot Hills
- Pacific Palisades
- Beverlywood
- Beverly Hills
- Venice
- Marina Del Rey
- Santa Monica
You will notice that the best neighborhoods in LA are mostly located on the West side of the city: https://maps.app.goo.gl/C6Ugk9JK9JgB5F2H6
Santa Monica: The best tourist area
For a tourist stay, choosing the Santa Monica district allows you to combine seaside relaxation, cultural discovery and easy access to the rest of Los Angeles.
Here are all the advantages of staying in this tourist area:
- Proximity to the beach and the Pacific, allowing you to enjoy the seaside
- Chic and lively atmosphere with many restaurants, bars and shops
- Well served by public transport, including the Expo tram line which connects Downtown
- Safe and family friendly
- Attractions like Santa Monica Pier and its amusement park
- Possibility to rent bicycles to ride along the beach
Recommended Hotel: Huntley Santa Monica Beach
To fully enjoy this area, I suggest the Huntley Santa Monica Beach :
- Modern property with ideal beachfront location and ocean views
- Safe neighborhood close to major Santa Monica attractions
Venice: The most beautiful neighborhood in LA
The hotel I recommend below is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Los Angeles in Venice! Its location is ideal for tourists as it is facing the Pacific Ocean and in front of the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
Less than 2 km from Santa Monica and Marina del Rey, the area is full of restaurants, museums, art galleries and cool shops next to the hotel.
Which neighborhood to go to Disneyland?
Disneyland is located at Anaheim. It is a small town just 1 hour from Los Angeles (by road or plane).
But you don't have to stay in Anaheim to visit Disneyland California. In fact, I recommend a very practical excursion to take from Los Angeles: Disneyland California Day Trip
This study was carried out thanks to serious and reliable sources of information (economic media, local press, rankings and statistical studies). The article below is a summary of the large amount of information and figures and does not include any judgment or discrimination.