Top 15 Safest Cities in Los Angeles County in 2024
Are you looking for the safest cities in Los Angeles County to visit or move to this year? It can be difficult to find a destination that meets all your needs while still providing an enjoyable experience. Luckily, I have compiled a list of the top 15 safest cities in Los Angeles County, using reliable data sources and my own expertise from living in southern Los Angeles for over 25 years.
Whether you’re simply planning on spending a quick few days in LA or wanting to call it home for longer periods; these destinations and neighborhoods will provide a safe haven in the hustle and bustle of California city living.
❗️Short on time to read?
The lowest crime rate is found in La Habra Heights.
The safest + best places for visitors to stay are:
West Hollywood | Sunset Tower Hotel 🏆 9/10
Silverlake | Silver Lake Pool & Inn 🏆 9.2/10
Santa Monica | Shutters on the Beach 🏆 9/10
Is Los Angeles County Safe to Live In? To Travel To?
Los Angeles County is an exciting and vibrant place to live and visit. With its countless attractions, diverse culture, and sunny weather, it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn here.
Greater LA is made up of many areas, some of which, of course, are safer than others. However, in general, most parts of Los Angeles are very safe to visit.
Although there are always risks associated with living in and traveling to any major metropolitan area, Los Angeles County has several measures in place that help to make it a safe environment.
These include increased police presence, neighborhood watch programs, proven emergency services procedures, and ongoing security upgrades in public spaces. All these efforts are aimed at keeping LA County residents and visitors safe while also allowing them to enjoy all the immense possibilities of life in the city.
What City in Los Angeles County Has the Lowest Crime Rate?
La Habra Heights has some of the lowest crime rates in Los Angeles County. It gets a crime and safety score of “B” at an 8.94 crime rate per 1,000.
Safest Areas in Los Angeles for Tourists
While many of the city’s neighborhoods are popular destinations for tourists, it’s important to understand which areas are safest when you are visiting.
The most popular and safe places for tourists include West Hollywood, Silverlake, and Santa Monica. These three cities are favorite spots for anyone looking to check out the Los Angeles scene and some of the best areas to look for a place to stay.
I always caution against staying overnight in Downtown LA, Venice, or Hollywood. While these areas are popular and perfectly fine to visit and explore, they are more dangerous at night than the ones mentioned above or on this list of safest cities.
Safest Hotels in the Best Locations for Visitors to Stay In:
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Places to Avoid in LA
While the large majority of Los Angeles is fairly safe, especially considering how large it is, there are a few places that even a longtime Angeleno would do well to exercise caution when visiting.
Compton is known for its gang-related crime and though certain parts of Inglewood are improving now that it’s home to the SoFi Stadium, much of the area remains unsafe.
The Wholesale District and Skid Row in Downtown LA should also be avoided due to reports of theft and dangerous activity in those areas. Unfortunately, this is where the large majority of the city’s homeless stay.
West Adams and North Hollywood may be sites of some great attractions, but they have significant safety issues as well, mostly after dark. It’s ok to drive through these areas or stop at popular sites, just exercise more caution and vigilance while here and try to avoid these areas at night.
Safety Tips:
Top 15 Safest Cities & Neighborhoods to Live In (Or Visit) In Los Angeles County
1. Bel Air
Location: Northwest Los Angeles, a bit further up into the Santa Monica Mountains than Beverly Hills
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Average Crime Rate: 13.06 | Violent Crime: 0.26 / Property Crime: 12.8
🏨 Best place to stay: Hotel Bel-Air – Dorchester Collection
This upscale residential neighborhood is filled with lush lawns, beautiful gardens, and stately mansions. Expect to see high-end cars parked on seemingly every corner. There’s plenty of shopping available too, although everything here does come with high price tags.
The overall ambiance is relaxed and welcoming; even amid the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Bel Air comfortably offers a sense of peace and serenity and is certainly one of the safest cities in Los Angeles County.
2. Cheviot Hills
Location: West Los Angeles, near Culver City
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 14.24 | Violent Crime: 0.74 / Property Crime: 13.5
Located between much busier Los Angeles neighborhoods, Cheviot Hills offers a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its wide, tree-lined streets and picturesque residential homes, the area is known for its suburban tranquility.
Though its serenity makes living here quite enjoyable, its prime location also inspires movie producers to make use of its beauty by filming in the area. Its convenient location adds a bonus – allowing residents to partake in nearby attractions without having to venture too far away.
3. Avalon
Location: Santa Catalina Island, in the California Channel Islands, the southernmost city in LA County
Crime & Safety Score: B+
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 16.05 | Violent Crime: 1.9 / Property Crime: 14.15
🏨 Best place to stay: Hotel Atwater
Avalon, California is a truly unique travel destination. Nestled on the gorgeous Catalina Island, it is renowned for providing some of the most beautiful and exciting snorkeling and diving spots available in the United States.
While it is tourist-dominated due to its fantastic vacation potential, Avalon still offers the gifts of small-town living with a close-knit community. Just 4,000 full-time residents inhabit the city, making it quite easy to navigate and get around – it takes just 10 to 15 minutes to walk from one end to another!
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, stunning beauty, or exciting marine life, if you’re visiting Avalon you are sure to feel plenty safe and leave with incredible memories that will last a lifetime.
4. Playa Vista
Location: Westside Los Angeles, just north of LAX airport
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Average Crime Rate: 25.63 | Violent Crime: 1.86 / Property Crime: 23.77
In Playa Vista, you’ll find a relatively quiet community nestled close to the beach. While the best entertainment options lie in other parts of Los Angeles city, there are several popular breweries located in this neighborhood.
It’s quite up and coming with lots of development happening from new apartment complexes to entertainment and industries popping up. There are plenty of green spaces and recreational areas such as the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve and Ballona Freshwater Marsh that make it a great place to live in or to visit.
5. Beverly Hills
Location: Northwest Los Angeles
Crime & Safety Score: C+
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 40.12 | Violent Crime: 3.29 / Property Crime: 36.83
🏨 Best place to stay: The Beverly Hills Hotel
Beverly Hills is a place that has gained a glamorous reputation from its status as one of the most luxurious places on the planet.
Everyone knows about Rodeo Drive and the stunning mansions that make this area distinct, but for the people who live here, it’s surprisingly normal – think more ‘suburb chic’, rather than Hollywood sleaze. It’s normally pretty safe too, so no need to worry if you’re wandering around late at night.
Beverly Hills also has some of the best luxury hotels for families in Los Angeles.
Safe Family Neighborhoods in Los Angeles
6. La Habra Heights
Location: East Los Angeles, close to West Covina
Crime & Safety Score: B
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 8.94 | Violent Crime: 0.46 / Property Crime: 8.48
La Habra Heights is an excellent place to live for families! Spend your days exploring the rolling hills and visiting restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities – perfect for getting a dose of fresh air and exercise.
Schools in La Habra Heights get top rankings with above-average performance, giving parents peace of mind when it comes to quality education. Residents are friendly and content, enjoying the rural feel while being just outside the city.
Although it’s not overly congested, you will still find all the amenities that come with living in close vicinity to a major city. All in all, La Habra Heights is an inviting and safe place.
7. Rolling Hills and Palos Verdes Estates
Location: Southwest Los Angeles, at the southern end of the South Bay LA
Crime & Safety Score: B
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 11.45 | Violent Crime: 0.82 / Property Crime: 10.63
🏨 Best place to stay: Terranea Resort
The Palos Verdes Peninsula is an amazing location at the southern end of LA County. It’s largely residential and an affluent area, but on the Rolling Hills side, there is some shopping and entertainment.
For those looking to get closer to nature, Palos Verdes has some fantastic hiking and tide-pooling opportunities – perfect for exploring when the sun is out. With stunning views and diverse wildlife, it’s easy to see why people love visiting and living here.
8. La Cañada Flintridge
Location: Northeast Los Angeles, nestled up at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains
Crime & Safety Score: B
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 13.81 | Violent Crime: 0.7 / Property Crime: 13.11
La Cañada Flintridge is a great place if you’re looking to settle in and enjoy a ‘small-town feel’. It has even been rated as #1 in Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in California (my boyfriend went to school here and had an excellent experience!). Though it might not be a hot spot for tourists and nightlife, this California city does offer ample outdoor activities, such as beautiful hikes in the mountains.
Furthermore, due to its esteemed schools (both public and private), La Cañada Flintridge has plenty of resources available for both children and adults alike. The community is friendly and welcoming, making it an ideal place for a growing family to call home and one of the safest cities in Los Angeles County.
9. South Pasadena
Location: East Los Angeles County
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 25.97 | Violent Crime: 1.03 / Property Crime: 24.94
🏨 Best place to stay: Arroyo Vista Inn
South Pasadena is a great place to call home, offering the best of both urban and suburban life. Here you’ll find plenty of cozy coffee shops and delicious restaurants, perfect for hanging out with friends or grabbing a bite to eat.
The area also has plenty of excellent parks that are great for enjoying the California sunshine or taking a leisurely stroll. It’s no wonder South Pasadena is an attractive spot to many families as well as young professionals – it truly has something for everyone!
10. El Segundo
Location: Southwest Los Angeles, just south of the LAX airport and the start of the South Bay
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 53.54 | Violent Crime: 6.87 / Property Crime: 46.67
🏨 Best place to stay: AC Hotel by Marriott Los Angeles South Bay
El Segundo is a wonderful small suburb that is often overlooked, but it’s starting to make a name for itself! Located right next to LAX, it somehow has kept that cozy, small-town feeling where everyone knows everyone. I grew up dancing here and can certainly recommend this city for both visiting and considering living in.
In recent years, it has seen a rise in new breweries and restaurants lining the Main Street area and a growth in new workplaces popping up around the outskirts of the city. With plenty of boutique stores and fun places to explore nearby, El Segundo offers an enjoyable atmosphere perfect for locals and visitors alike.
>>> RELATED POST: Is Santa Barbara Safe to Live in and Travel To?
Most Affordable, Safe Places to Live in Los Angeles Area
11. Porter Ranch
Location: North Los Angeles up in the Valley
Crime & Safety Score: B
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 13.8 | Violent Crime: 0.74 / Property Crime: 13.06
Median Home Cost: $1M-$2M
Average Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,700-$1,900
Porter Ranch is a lovely area to settle down in! This idyllic neighborhood offers breathtaking scenery, with rolling hills, lush green spaces, and plenty of trees.
From its many gated communities to its fantastic hiking opportunities, there’s plenty for Porter Ranch residents to enjoy. Though it is a far bit outside of the downtown area, it’s certainly one of the safest cities in Los Angeles County.
12. Brentwood
Location: Northwest Los Angeles
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 19 | Violent Crime: 0.66 / Property Crime: 18.34
Median Home Cost: $2M-$3M
Average Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,300-$3,000
🏨 Best place to stay: Brentwood Inn
Brentwood is a great place to live if you’re looking for a mix of very safe urban and suburban vibes. Located on the Westside, it’s generally a very quiet, pleasant neighborhood – and its schools are top-rated in the state!
You’ll find what you need when it comes to food as well – from luxurious Italian eateries to warm cafes to the historic Brentwood Country Mart, a retail hub that’s loved by locals for being family-friendly. Plus you’re still close enough to all the action of LA, so you won’t have any dull moments living in Brentwood!
13. Pico Rivera
Location: East Los Angeles County
Crime & Safety Score: C
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 21.62 | Violent Crime: 2.79 / Property Crime: 18.83
Median Home Cost: $670K
Average Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,700-$1,900
🏨 Best place to stay: Epic Hotel
Pico Rivera is a friendly locale nestled in southeast Los Angeles County. It has a distinctly suburban feel though it encompasses a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Pico Rivera is predominately Hispanic and middle class. Its clean streets, grassy parks, and wide variety of eateries add to its charming atmosphere and make it an enjoyable place to call home.
14. Sherman Oaks
Location: Northeast LA County
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 25.93 | Violent Crime: 2.08 / Property Crime: 23.85
Median Home Cost: $1.25M-$2M
Average Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,600-$2,000
🏨 Best place to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles – Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks is a vibrant suburban area located in Los Angeles. It’s home to two iconic shopping malls, including the popular Sherman Oaks Galleria.
On Ventura Boulevard, you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants and pubs offering everything from delicious Mexican to brunch. It’s also home to many office complexes, offering an excellent combination of fun and entertainment as well as suburban comforts and proximity to work.
15. Culver City
Location: Southwest LA, a bit further inland from Marina Del Rey
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Average Crime Rate (per 1,000): 45.80 | Violent Crime: 5.0 / Property Crime: 40.80
Median Home Cost: $1.2M-$1.7M
Average Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,700-$2,000
🏨 Best place to stay: The Shay, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel
Culver City is the perfect destination for young professionals looking for an exciting and cultured place to live. Or, for tourists looking for a safe and central location to stay in while visiting LA.
It comes with a buzzing dining and nightlife scene, art galleries and playhouses, as well as the famous Culver Hotel. Just a quick drive away is Venice Beach or the Marina to the west or Hollywood and downtown to the east.
Looking for resources to use for your next trip or move abroad?
CLICK HERE for my favorite travel and expat tools!
>>> RELATED POST: Moving to Los Angeles Without a Job: 21 Important Tips!
FAQs About the Safest Cities in LA
Yes, Pasadena is a relatively safe city to visit and live in. It gets a crime and safety rating of about a B-. South Pasadena is the safest area, and there are certainly some parts of the city (by the freeways, for example) that tend to be less safe than the residential and shopping areas.
Yes, Santa Monica is generally considered a safe place to stay, with a relatively low crime rate compared to other areas in Los Angeles. Santa Monica is a popular place for tourists to visit and stay in.
I would not recommend tourists to visit Inglewood other than going to the SoFi Stadium. While Inglewood has seen improvements in recent years, it still has a relatively high crime rate compared to other areas in Los Angeles.
Compton has a high crime rate compared to other areas in Los Angeles, and as such, walking through the city may not be safe, especially at night and for tourists or visitors who are not familiar with the area.
Koreatown is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Los Angeles, however, it’s still located in the heart of Los Angeles so it’s always best to practice extra caution (especially at night) in a busy city.
Yes, Los Angeles County is one of the most populous counties in the United States, with a population of over 10 million people. The county has a high population density, particularly in urban areas, and the population has continued to grow steadily over the years.
The west side of Los Angeles is generally considered the more expensive area, with neighborhoods such as Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Pacific Palisades being among the most affluent in the city. Other expensive neighborhoods on the west side include Brentwood, Santa Monica, and Westwood.
While both cities have crime rates that are higher than the national average, Los Angeles has a comparatively lower crime rate than San Francisco. The violent crime rate in SF hovers around 40 (out of 100) while in LA it’s about 29 and property crime in SF is ~79 whereas in LA it’s ~35.
SUMMARY: Safest Cities in the Los Angeles Area
LA may be a big city, but it has its share of safe areas. From pleasant suburban enclaves and quiet beach towns to bustling downtown districts and exciting nightlife, there is no shortage of excellent places where residents can find refuge away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Making an informed decision is always important when choosing where to live, work, or visit- and knowing which cities have lower crime rates will ensure all time spent in Los Angeles County remains stress-free.
❗️Summary
The lowest crime rate is found in La Habra Heights.
The safest + best places for visitors to stay are:
West Hollywood | Sunset Tower Hotel 🏆 9/10
Silverlake | Silver Lake Pool & Inn 🏆 9.2/10
Santa Monica | Shutters on the Beach 🏆 9/10
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☀️ California FAQs ☀️
✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to California?
1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal
❗Is Travel Insurance Required in the U.S.?
No, it’s not.
However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing. It covers some medical as well, which is important in the U.S. due to the high cost of health care.
>>> CLICK HERE FOR INFO
☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit California?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest (in some parts it can be pretty hot) but you will have the most crowds. Some parts of the state get “June Gloom” where it can be cloudy during the morning and burn off by mid-day.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have the potential of rain, but you will beat some of the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).
🏠 Where Should You Stay in California?
Hotels, vacation rentals, and house-sitting are all available for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
• Booking.com
• Vrbo
• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)
🌴 Where Can You Find Tours?
I find incredible tours around the world >>> HERE with private and guided group tours of the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.
🚘 Should You Rent a Car in California?
I very highly recommend renting a car in California so you don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! California is fantastic for road trips – there is SO much to see up and down the coast. Plus, sites are often spread far out, even in the cities, so having a car is the most convenient option.
>>> Best car rental rates and deals
