Despite its reputation for bling and glamour, Los Angeles faces serious crime problems. It is crucial for both locals and tourists to be informed of the city’s specific neighborhoods because some have greater crime rates than others.
This post will look at the top ten riskiest areas of Los Angeles in 2024, analyzing the causes of these high crime rates and providing advice on how to keep safe in the city.
Watts
When compared to the national average, Watts’ crime rate is 50% higher. There are 3,514 crimes for every 100,000 residents, meaning that there is a 1 in 29 risk of becoming a victim of a crime in Watts. Watts has seen a decline in violent crime since the 1990s, much like Compton.
In 2023, Watts saw 1,943 property crime occurrences and 1,574 violent crime incidents. Taking public transportation, walking alone at night, and carrying significant sums of money or valuables are all discouraged.
Leimert Park
The residential area of Liement Park, which located in South Los Angeles, is flanked by blocks of trees and Spanish Colonial Revival homes. It has a lengthy history, and well-known musicians like Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald have called Leimert Park home.
Comparing it to the rest of the city and the nation, it does, however, also have a high crime rate.
Leimert Park has 540% more violent crime than the rest of the United States and 184% more than the rest of Los Angeles. The likelihood of becoming a victim of a crime in Leimert Park is 1 in 14, and property crime is 128% greater than the national average.
Lincoln Heights
Agustin Lara Monument and the Abraham Lincoln Statue are among the many historic sites in Lincoln Park, which is situated immediately north of downtown.
Approximately 40,000 people live there. But there are also a lot of crimes in Lincoln Heights. Compared to the rest of Los Angeles and the entire nation, Lincoln Heights has a violent crime rate that is 246% greater.
Additionally, property crime is 321% greater than the national average, and your chances of becoming a victim of a crime in your neighborhood are one in ten.
Hollywood
Despite being the location of several of the largest film production firms in the world, Hollywood also has a serious criminal problem.The neighborhood is 109% more populated than the national average, with 90,322 residents and a crime rate of 4,894 per 100,000.
Hollywood is a popular tourist destination, yet pickpocketing and property theft are rampant there. It should be easy to walk during the day as long as personal belongings are kept safe. It is not recommended to walk at night, though.
Compton
Compton is still a hazardous neighborhood, despite a decline in crime during the 1990s. The neighborhood is known for its violent crime, drug use, poverty, and gun violence.
In comparison to the national average, Compton is 51% more dangerous due to its 97,740 residents and 3,533 crimes per 100,000. The highest murder rate in the nation was recorded in Compton in 2005, however it has decreased over the last 20 years.
Property crime and violent crime have, however, increased in Compton since 2020. Even though there are a lot of police officers, locals believe that they are not equipped to handle emergencies.
Koreatown
With 72,523 residents, Koreatown has a crime rate of 2,978 per 100,000, making it 32% riskier than the national average.
In addition to the prevalence of gang and drug activity, prostitution and other related crimes are also prevalent in this neighborhood. The most hazardous areas of Koreatown are thought to be the southern and eastern sections.
There are also frequent crimes such pickpocketing, assaults, and robberies.
Downtown LA
Downtown Los Angeles has a violent crime rate that is 12 times higher than the national average, according to FBI crime figures.
Downtown Los Angeles has a crime rate that is 530% greater than the national average when property offenses are taken into account. The LAPD reports that 1,654 violent offenses were reported in 2023. In 2018, the downtown murder rate reached a record high of 490.
East of Main Street, west of Alameda Street, north of 7th Street, and south of 3rd Street are the worst neighborhoods. Having a lot of cash on hand is strongly discouraged.
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West Adams
Residents of the neighborhood have a 1 in 15 risk of becoming victims of a crime, as there are 11,961 people living there and a crime rate of 6,811 per 100,000.
Gang and drug activity are the main causes of violent crime in West Adams. Although there is a significant police presence in this neighborhood, locals frequently lament that the officers are unable to respond to numerous criminal situations at once.
Fashion District
The Fashion District has a 28% higher crime rate than the national average, while having a modest population of 2,466. With a crime rate of 2,870 per 100,000, there is a 1 in 35 risk of becoming a victim.
As long as safety measures are followed, walking or using public transportation throughout the day is safe.
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North Hollywood
With 64,587 residents, North Hollywood has a crime rate of 2,592 per 100,000, which is 10% higher than the national average. This area, also referred to as NoHo, is adjacent to Universal Studio.
In North Hollywood, property crimes make up 81% of all crimes in 2023, making them the most common type of crime.
Public transportation rarely causes problems, and the areas surrounding Magnolia, Lankershim, and the 170 highway are regarded as safe during the day.
Final Thoughts
Even though there is a lot to enjoy in the energetic metropolis of Los Angeles, it’s vital to be mindful of the areas that have higher crime rates.
Residents and tourists can enjoy the city in safety by being aware of the risks and taking the appropriate safety measures. Additionally, it’s critical to support local projects that try to improve the quality of life and lower crime rates.
