Los Angeles is an enchanted city where you can experience the world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, experience a million life changes in Hollywood, and hear famous musicians from all over the world all year round. But at the same time, its reputation has also been plagued by crime. Los Angeles has many dark areas, and some of its neighborhoods are incredibly dangerous. Though LA’s crime days are behind it, and crime rates have been declining in recent years. Still, there are some dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles that you need to be careful to avoid. The blog will list some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angles, what actions local authorities and LAPD have taken to reduce the crime rate, and safety recommendations for navigating unsafe neighborhoods.
Is LA Safe?
According to research, Los Angeles is safer than 7% of US cities. The likelihood of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Los Angeles is 1 in 119. Across the California, the chances are 1 in 200. The chances of becoming a victim of a property crime (such as auto theft) are 1 in 36 in the city and 1 in 43 statewide. The total Los Angeles CA crime rate is 35.91 per 1,000 residents. Los Angeles violent crime rate is 8.38 per 1,000 residents, California’s violent crime rate is 4.99 per 1,000 population, indicating that Los Angeles has a much higher violent crime rate than the surrounding state. Besides, Los Angeles violent crime rate is 27.53 per 1000 residents, which also shown there is still much work need to reduce it’s crime rate.
Common Crimes in Worst Neighborhoods in Los Angeles
- Robbery and theft
- Motor Vehicle Theft
- Drug-related activities
- Violent crimes
- Fraud
- Crimes Involving Minors
- Hate Crimes Based on Race or Sexual Orientation
- Gang-Related Crimes
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Los Angeles: An Overview
The list below gives you the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles and total cirme rate/100k people in these areas.
| Neighbourhood | Total Crime Rate (per 100k people) |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Heights | 11,110 |
| Leiment Park | 7,613 |
| West Adams | 7,190 |
| Hollywood | 5,748 |
| South Los Angeles | 4,992 |
| Fashion District | 4,772 |
| Wholesale District-Skid Row | 4,725 |
| Watts | 4,061 |
| Downtown LA(DTLA) | 3,998 |
| Koreatown | 3,618 |
| Compton | 3,494 |
| North Hollywood | 3,059 |
12 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Los Angeles
Read on to discover the 12 worst neighborhoods in Los Angeles, where crime is rampant. Therefore, when looking to buy or rent, it’s always best to research the area to make sure you don’t end up in one of the most dangerous nieghborhoods of Los Angeles.
Lincoln Heights
Total Crime Rate: 11,110/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 2,885/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 8,225/100k people
The most dangerous neighborhood in Los Angeles is Lincoln Heights. For places to avoid in Los Angeles, Lincoln Heights ranked top on our list. This area of LA suffers from an extremely high violent crime rate, which is 680% higher than the national average. Besides, the property crime rate in this area is 321% higher than the national average. Lincoln Heights has a population of 33,525 and an overall crime rate that is 378% higher than the national average. In addition, violent crimes like theft, robbery, and vehicle theft are extremely high, making Lincoln Heights the most dangerous part of Los Angeles.
West Adams
Total Crime Rate: 7,190 /100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 2,358/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 4,832/100k people
West Adams is the one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It is recommended to avoid walking in West Adams alone during nighttime. Its violent crime rate is 538% higher than the national average, and its overall crime rate is 209% higher than the national average. Theft, robbery and assault are common in the area. Stolen vehicles, burglaries and thefts from autos top the list of crimes, and local governaments and LAPD are continued collaboration and investment of resourceson defending people’s property, enhance residents’ quality of life and sense of safety. Because West Adams suffers from high crime, most people prefer avoid to live there.
Leiment Park
Total Crime Rate: 7,613/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 2,368/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 5,245/100k people
Leiment Park is another one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Located just South region of Los Angeles, CA, this area has a lot of unique architectures.
Leiment Park faces a high rate of drug and gang-related crime. The total crime rate in Leiment Park is 7,613 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 228% higher than the US average. The Leiment Park violent crime rate is 2,368/100k people, even higher at 540% the national average. Your chances of being the victim of a crime in Leiment Park are 1 in 14, indicating it experiences a high rate of crime compared to the rest of the Los Angeles.
Hollywood
Total Crime Rate: 5,748/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1,411/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 4,337/100k people
Another one of the worst neighborhoods in Los Angeles is Hollywood, which is known for it’s tourist attractions, and criminals target unsuspecting tourists with frequent tailgate robberies and pickpockets. Hollywood is home to several LA most dangerous gangs. Located on L.A.’s West Side, Hollywood has a disproportionately high violent crime rate. With total crime being 120% higher and violent crime being 282% higher in Hollywood than in the rest of the city, residents have a 1 in 18 chance of becoming victims of a crime. Hollywood’s violent crime can be attributed to extensive gang activity in the area.
Despite the startling crime rates in Hollywood, initiatives have been launched to quell the violence. The LAPD collaborates with Los Angeles County Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) to implement community-based initiatives aimed at reducing crime in Hollywood. These projects seek to recover this community, allowing residents to live without the threat of theft and violence.
South Los Angeles
Total Crime Rate: 4,992/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1,837/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 3,115/100k people
Situated on the South Side, South Los Angeles is one of the most dangerous areas in Los Angeles. It’s crime rate surpasses the national average, with violent crimes being 397% higher, indicating a notable safety concern. The present crime rate in South Los Angeles is alarming, with a rate of 1,837 per 100k residents for violent crime and 3,155 per 100k residents for property crime.
South Los Angeles has many abandoned buildings and homes that could be a haven for biggest gang in Los Angeles. Factors contributing to the surge in gun violence in South Los Angeles includes social and economic inequality, poverty and gun availability.
Fashion District
Total Crime Rate: 4,772 /100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1,124/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 3,649/100k people
Fashion District is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles with a total crime rate of 4,772 per 100,000, which is 105% higher than the national average, and the chance of being a victim of crime in Fashion District is 1 in 21. While violent crime does occur in this neighborhood, most of the crime is related to property crime. However, violent crime is still prevalent, with assaults and robberies happening sporadically. Fashion District is unsafe in the night, it is advised to stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense if you are passing through Fashion District.
Wholesale District-Skid Row
Total Crime Rate: 4,725 /100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1,113/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 3,613/100k people
Wholesale District-Skid Row is a neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles, with a population of 7,245, Wholesale District-Skid Row has a crime rate of 4,725 per 100k people making this neighborhood 103% more dangerous than the national average. At the same time, Wholesale District-Skid Row crime rates are 33% higher than the Los Angeles average. Gang and drug activities are common in this neighborhood, with other associated crimes like homelessness, home robberies being quite common as well.
Other crimes, such as ehicle break-in, and pickpocketing, are common as well. Many of these types of crimes occur on public transit, and it is advised to keep all belongings accounted for at all times. It is recommended to avoid walking during nighttime and to avoid areas nearby.
Watts
Total Crime Rate: 4,061 /100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1,728/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 2,333/100k people
Located in southern Los Angeles, Watts is one of the most dangerous parts of Los Angeles that face a lot of crime problems. The crime rate in the Watts neighborhood is significantly proportionally higher than the city average. The overall crime rate in this neighborhood is 4,061/100k people, which means the chance of becoming a victim in the area is 1 in 25. The violent crime rate in Watts neighborhood is 367% higher than the national average. Watts is also home to some of the most dangerous gangs in LA. Robberies, burglaries, theft and arson occur frequently in this neighborhood. Robberies usually occur in business districts and high-traffic areas, especially at night or during crowded hours. Burglaries are concentrated in residential areas and within the public transportation system, such as subway stations and buses.
Downtown LA(DTLA)
Total Crime Rate: 3,998 /100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 941/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 3,057/100k people
Downtown Los Angeles is the city’s central business and cultural district with famous tourist attractions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Olvera Street or the Walt Disney Concert Hall. DTLA offers many restaurants for all budgets and shopping areas. Despite so many offers, Downtown Los Angeles holds the unfortunate title of one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The total crime rate in DTLA is 3,998/100k people, violent crimes in Downtown are 155% higher than the national average. In Downtown LA people have a 1 in 26 chance of becoming a victim of crime, causing a significant safety concern for its residents.
The major contributing factors to the high crime rates in DTLA encompass homeless, social disorganization, and vulnerability. During the day, downtown Los Angeles is safe. At night, there are some areas you should avoid. While the community faces significant hurdles, it also showcases resilience and strength in the face of adversity, offering hope for a safer and more secure future.
Koreatown
Total Crime Rate: 3,618 /100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 788/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 2,830/100k people
Koreatown is also one of the most dangerous areas in Los Angeles. The crime rate in Koreatown is relatively high, especially when compared to the average Los Angeles CA crime rate. Specifically, the overall crime rate for the Koeatown neighborhood is 3,618/100k people, and 3,543/100k people for overall Los Angles City. It is 1.02 times higher than the Los Angeles city average. The violent crime rate in Koreatown is 788/100k people, and property crime rate in Koreatown is 2,830/100k people, The usual crime types in this most dangerous place in Los Angeles include robberies, burglaries, drug-related crimes, and violent crimes. Robberies tend to occur at night or in isolated areas in the worst areas of LA, and burglaries involve the theft of property ranging from car interiors to stores. Gang activities are another big problem in the community, contributing to some of the criminal activity and increased community insecurity.
Compton
Total Crime Rate: 3,494 /100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1,045/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 2,449/100k people
Compton is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles, the crime rate in Compton is 3,494 /100k people, 64.1% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary.
With a violent crime rate of 1141 per 100,000 people, living in Compton, your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Compton is 1 in 88. The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Compton faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Compton, 58.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
North Hollywood
Total Crime Rate: 3,059 /100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 572/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 2,487/100k people
North Hollywood is located in San Fernando Valley and has a population of 71,248 people. This neighborhood has an overall crime rate of 3.059 crime per 100,000 people, in North Hollywood, you have a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of crime. The violent crime rate in North Hollywood is 572 per 100,000 people, property crimes were reported at 2,487 per 100,000 people. Burglary, assault, and robbery are common in North Hollywood, and it is not advised to travel alone at night.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles?
Statistically, Los Angeles is overall safer than both Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas, the above are just a few dangerous Los Angeles neighborhoods you need to avoid. LA is the second-largest city in the United States, where full of culture, great dining, unique neighborhoods, outdoor recreation and good weather, it’s a good place to travel, study or work. If you’re considering moving to Los Angeles, here are some of the best places to live in LA with great atmosphere and convenient amenities. Whenever you find apartments for rent in Los Angeles, uhomes.com is your best choice.
- Santa Monica
- Los Feliz
- Westwood
- Beverly Hills
- Mar Vista
- Palms
- Northridge
Addressing Crimes in Los Angeles Worst Neighborhoods
Reducing crime in most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles is a complex challenge that demands a united front from law enforcement, local authorities, and the community. The Los Angeles Police Department has adopted many actions to reduce crimes.
One of the key approaches in Los Angeles is the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) program, which represents a relationship-based policing model that has proven effective in building public trust and reducing crime. Moreover, the city has also implemented specialized task forces and programs to target specific bad areas of Los Angeles, efforts involved a combination of increased patrols, intelligence-led policing, and community outreach to disrupt criminal activities and improve overall safety.
Safety Tips for Navigating Bad Areas of Los Angeles
In most cases, people would keep in mind areas to avoid in Los Angeles, but if you have to pass through some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in LA, we advise you do it in the daytime and have a friend accompany you. Here are some practical tips on staying safe while navigating these areas.
- It is recommended to avoid walking during nighttime at LA dangerous areas.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Avoid distractions such as using electronic devices while walking. - Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing to enhance visibility.
- Follow traffic regulations and be cautious when crossing streets.
- For drivers, keep doors locked and windows closed.
- Plan your routes in advance and trust your instincts.
- Prioritize personal safety and take proactive measures to protect yourself from potential threats.
FAQ
1. Where in Los Angeles has the highest crime rate?
FBI statistics show a violent crime rate 12 times higher than the national average, with overall crime levels soaring 530% above national norms. In 2023, LAPD reported 1,654 violent offences, with a record 490 murders in 2018.
2. Is Koreatown LA safe at night?
Koreatown is a safe area to live in, but like any urban area, you should be aware of your surroundings and make sure to prioritize your safety. In any city you live in, it’s good to make sure you stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone after the sun goes down.
3.Is North Hollywood safe at night?
Like many urban areas, North Hollywood does have its share of crime. While it’s generally safe, especially in the more residential areas, property crime like burglary and car theft can be an issue.
4.Is LA downtown safe?
The total crime rate in DTLA is 3,998/100k people, in these area, people have a 1 in 26 chance of becoming a victim of crime.While the majority of Downtown is safe to explore during the day, some sections remain desolate and unsafe when night falls. This is when break-ins and burglaries are common. For instance, there are many homeless people, drug users, and illicit activities at Skid Row.
