What are the most dangerous areas in Los Angeles? Security, crime, and places to avoid!

05 Aug 21:20

Literally, there is magic in Los Angeles. You will very certainly get the opportunity to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located in the village of Hogsmeade, in Universal Studios. If you don’t want that, there are festivals and concerts throughout the year featuring performances by bands and performers.

This city has many theatres, a 4,000-plus-acre park with a billion pathways for recreational activities and hikers, and many more features. Los Angeles is a hugely diversified metropolis where everyone can find a place!

The period of crime in Los Angeles is passed, and there has been a significant drop throughout the years. However, like in most major cities, there are a few areas to be wary of. Read on to find out which regions of Los Angeles are unsafe.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Places in Los Angeles, CA

Now, which city in Los Angeles is the most dangerous?

1. West Adams

This is a violent neighbourhood in Los Angeles. This neighbourhood has 474 percent more violent crimes than the national average. Even with this ridiculous figure, violence in this community has actually decreased. There was so much gang violence in the 1960s that citizens were banned to mumble. Although the police presence in W. Adams appears to be overpowering, measuring their response to the nonstop bombardment of crime is difficult.

This area has a population of 11,961 people and a total crime rate of 6,811 per 100,000 people. For the first half of 2019, crime increased by 12.3 percent as compared to 2018. Visitors in this neighbourhood are urged not to venture out at night, especially women travelling alone.

A female tenant described needing to grasp and clutch her pocketbook at all times for fear of being robbed, particularly while changing cash. Public transit does not appear to be any safer. In West Adams, your chances of becoming a victim of a crime are 1 in 15.

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2. Wholesale District – Skid Row

Crime in this neighbourhood has increased by 59% since 2010. In 2019, there were 13,122 recorded events, including 2,698 assaults, 2,453 thefts, and 1,350 auto break-ins. This downtown Los Angeles area has a population of 7,245 persons, with around 2,500 of them being homeless. Is skid row in Los Angeles truly dangerous?

The police officers are as relentless as the heroin and meth trades in this neighbourhood. Panhandlers and pickpockets may be present on public transportation, so keep wallets and cash close to hand. This area is already known as a hotspot for drug addiction, prostitution, and stolen items. San Pedro Street is a hotspot for illegal activity.

Cycling or walking in this area is only permitted before 6 p.m. Skid row then becomes devoid of pedestrians, and the street gangs recommence. Women who go alone should always be accompanied. So yet, no hotel has received positive feedback.

3. Downtown

This cultural and economic centre of Los Angeles has a population of 12,199 people. According to LAPD figures, the crime rate is somewhat decreasing year after year. In 2016, there were 1,702 violent offences reported in Central Division, down from 1,780 in 2015. The number of killings fell from 490 a decade ago to 13 in 2018.

However, crime remains high, with 14,219 offences reported in 2020. The most affected neighbourhoods are those located south of 3rd Street, north of 7th Street, west of Alameda Street, and east of Main Street. In certain areas, you will very certainly come into contact with pickpockets or be robbed for cash.

Is Downtown Los Angeles hazardous at night? Exploring the streets at night is discouraged, especially for solitary female tourists, as it becomes desolate and appears sketchy. If you need to remain the night and explore the next day, a few hotels come highly recommended. Despite frequent police patrols, the safest feeling is when walking or bicycling during the day.

Is Downtown Los Angeles safe? There are a few safe areas, such as Fourth and Sixth Streets, but altogether, you have a one in 29 chance of becoming a victim of crime in downtown Los Angeles.

4. Compton

Although gang activity in this neighbourhood declined about a decade ago, the reputation of murder, firearms, drugs, and poverty lingers. In 2005, Compton had the highest homicides per 100,000 people in the United States. In addition, between 2014 and 2018, there was an increase in violent crime and a decrease in property crime.

This is most definitely LA’s worst neighbourhood. Despite the fact that the police are virtually always present in this area, there were 3,733 recorded occurrences in 2019. In the first half of 2020, the population of 97,740 had already been subjected to 120 violent crimes and 257 property crimes on Compton’s worst street. This results in a crime rate of 39.9 per 10,000 people. What is the most hazardous location in Compton?

Visitors to this city are cautioned to be cautious while strolling or bicycling during the day and night. Though dangerous, violent crimes are primarily targeted. Females fare better when accompanied, but when travelling alone, use cautious. Although public transportation is reasonably safe, precious things and cash should be kept out of sight for your own piece of mind.

5. North Hollywood

The art district is known as NoHo by the inhabitants. It shares a boundary with Universal Studios and is home to the arts and sciences. The population is 158,322 people. This area has little criminal activities, such as drug selling and gang activity.

Property crimes are more prevalent in North Hollywood, accounting for 82 percent of total crimes reported in 2019 per 100,000 people. A saleswoman said that she had two acquaintances robbed at gunpoint at various dates. Little of this has been recorded in recent years, owing to heightened patrols during the previous three years. The neighbourhood around one of the buildings in Hatteras and Tujunga, on the other hand, is still infamous for drug selling and gang battles.

Is North Hollywood, however, safe? Magnolia, Lankershim, and the 170 highway are safe at any time of day, whether taking public transportation, Uber, walking, or bicycling. Females travelling alone have less to fear. There is Valley Village and North Oxnard, but anywhere past Burbank Boulevard or north of Victory Boulevard is not considered safe. If you’re looking for a hotel, some in Burbank and Sherman Oaks have received positive feedback.

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6. South Los Angeles

This area of 248,666 inhabitants, formerly known as South Central, LA, is plagued by drug trafficking, gangs, and gang violence. This is the primary cause of violence in this area. The police are seen patrolling often, which has resulted in a decrease in crime as compared to the 1990s.

Is it unsafe to live in South Los Angeles? Because gang operations are divided into territory, ladies going alone, particularly at night, are discouraged in this neighbourhood for fear of wandering into a hostile operating hood. In 2019, violent crime was estimated to be 1702 percent higher than the national average. The total number of property crimes is 3,022.

During the day, walking, riding, and taking public transportation are all safe, with little risk of being robbed of money. There are extremely few hotels with reviews in the Southcentral area.

7. Watts

Watts tower, one of the most spectacular public monuments in the United States, attracts a large number of tourists. This is not a safe area, although it is not as deadly as it formerly was thanks to various developments over the years and constant police patrols.

Tourists are encouraged and must understand to keep wallets and valuables secure whether strolling or bicycling throughout the day. Residents worry about hoodlums at railway stations, as well as their dread of being pickpocketed and robbed of cash. As a result, public transportation is frowned upon.

The nightlife in this 40,795-person neighbourhood is not as risky, so solitary female guests can go about. The crime rate is 49 percent higher than the national average, yet crime is decreasing by 1 percent year after year.

8. Koreatown

This area is situated south of Hollywood and west of downtown. With a population of 72,523, Koreans make about 50-75 percent of the population. Visitors confirm that Koreatown has the most nightclubs and restaurants in all of Southern California.

This neighbourhood features aspects of prostitution, drug selling, and a strong presence of Hispanic gangs. As a result, the southern and eastern areas are unsafe and rife with crime. There have been reports of robberies and pickpockets, thus taking public transit should be avoided if at all feasible. It is preferable to use credit/debit cards instead than carrying cash in handbags and wallets.

Is Koreatown in Los Angeles safe? If you are not exploring secure locations such as Hancock Park, Wilshire Center, and so on, it is better to limit your excursions to the daytime only. Especially if you are a lady travelling alone. The police presence in this neighbourhood is not very noticeable.

9. Fashion District

A tiny neighbourhood with 2,466 individuals with a low livability score. The crime rate is 33% higher than the Los Angeles average but 68% higher than the national average.

During the day, this neighbourhood is not very safe due to the broad mix of people and several businesses that draw visitors. Walking, biking, or taking public transit is not dangerous, but there is a possibility of pickpockets, putting your handbag and wallet at risk. You have a one in twenty-four risk of being a victim of a crime in the Fashion District.

But, at night, is Los Angeles dangerous? Nighttime brings an increase in assault and robbery offences that patrolling cops have wanted to curb. Visitors and visitors, particularly solitary female travellers, are consequently urged to avoid this area after 9 p.m.

10. Hollywood

This area with 90,322 inhabitants became a prominent tourist attraction after being the birthplace of Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, and Universal Pictures studios. The rate of violent crime is 243 percent higher than the national average. In 2019, there were 1,306 recorded violent crimes and 4,152 reported property crimes, according to data.

Despite the surge of people on the streets and the prevalence of pickpockets and panhandlers, walking or bicycling during the day is reasonably secure. Perhaps you should set a reminder to check your cash and items at regular intervals. Nighttime, on the other hand, is a significant hit, and walks should be avoided. There are many dodgy spots, and cops are few and far between.

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Crime Situation in Los Angeles, CA

According to FBI crime figures disclosed in the LA report, daily crime in 2018 was 1.15 times more than the California average and 1.26 times higher than the national average.

When the two years were compared, there was a 5.7 percent decrease in crime from the previous year by 2019. Crime decreased in 77 percent of all communities in Los Angeles.

Top 5 Safe Places in Los Angeles, CA

1. Beverly Hills

With a population of 34,627 people, this area provides inhabitants with a pleasant and relaxing environment. According to FBI statistics, Beverly Hills’ violent crime rate is 19% lower than the national average, highlighting the city’s safety. An elite enclave of flash and glam, it has its own school system that is exclusive to district residents.

2. Westwood

Because to its closeness to UCLA, this area has a visible student and young professional presence. Except for property offences, crime is extremely rare, if not non-existent. This community’s 1,685 people have a one in 64 probability of becoming a victim of crime. Surprisingly, Westwood is safer than half of all cities in the United States.

3. Glendale

A big 197,895-person community with little attractions. There are several eateries and commercial places. The crime rate is 43% lower than the California average, and this community has an exceptional livability ranking.

Despite the fact that violent crimes are 74% lower than the national average, the few occurrences are usually assaults and robberies. Theft accounts for 72 percent of all property crime reported in 2019.

4. Mar Vista

This area is located in West Los Angeles, where the cost of living is 25% more than the LA average. Property crimes affect 42,620 more persons than violent crimes. It is typically a safe neighbourhood, with each inhabitant having a 1 in 58 chance of becoming a victim of a crime.

5. Playa Vista

This neighbourhood has a population of 35,789. Despite having real estate costs that are 32% more than the LA average, it provides affordable homes to allow a comfortable yet affluent lifestyle. Total crime per 100,000 people is 2,132, with property offences accounting for the majority.

Violent crimes are 17 percent lower than the national average, while crime has declined by 1 percent year over year.

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Conclusion

Crime decreased in all key categories between 2017 and 2018. With homicides, gang-related homicides, rape, severe assault, and property crimes gradually declining, Los Angeles would rank as one of the safest places to live in.