Los Angeles County has a Mediterranean climate, which appeals to many people.
The county is home to many great attractions, major companies, and major universities.
Many counties that have a large population are safe cities.
Some counties in the U.S., such as Los Angeles County, have high crime rates.
These areas of Los Angeles County are the most dangerous for people who live in the area or who decide to visit these Los Angeles cities.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities in Los Angeles County
1. Compton
Compton has one of the highest crime rates in the U.S.
The city had 18.8 murders per 100,000 residents in 2020.
The murder rate increased to 22.5 per 100,000 people in 2022.
Many crime categories showed a significant year-over-year increase, including assaults.
The assault rate jumped from 619 per 100,000 residents in 2019 to 774 assaults per 100,000 residents in 2020.
The number of rapes increased from 40 per 100,000 people in 2019 to 49 per 100,000 residents in 2020.
The crime rate in Compton was higher than 96 percent of cities in the U.S. in 2020.
2. Huntington Park
The crime rate in Huntington Park is well above the national crime rate.
The 2023 statistics indicate that nationally, there are 2,346 total crimes per 100,000 people.
The rate for the State of California is 2,581 total crimes per 100,000 residents.
Compare this information to the fact that in Huntington Park, there are 3,727 crimes per 100,000 people.
The risk of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Huntington Park is 1 in 130.
The risk of becoming a victim of a property crime is 1 in 32.
Consider the high crime rate for a city that only has about 55,000 residents, and it is easy to see why it is one of the most dangerous cities in Los Angeles County.
3. Commerce
The City of Commerce has fewer than 15,000 residents.
Major employers in the area include the Commerce Casino and the County of Los Angeles.
The city has a very high crime rate.
There is a 1 in 12 chance of becoming a victim of a property crime.
There is a 1 in 91 chance of being a victim of a violent crime in Commerce.
The crime rate for the City of Commerce is more than 300 percent higher than the national average.
4. Inglewood
Inglewood, California is in the South Bay region of the county.
The city is home to famous people like Tyra Banks, Brian Wilson, and several NFL and NBA players.
It is also home to a high crime rate.
People have a 1 in 158 chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime if they live in or visit Inglewood.
Crime Grade indicates that a crime occurs, on average, every one hour and 47 minutes in Inglewood.
Where a person goes when visiting or living in Inglewood may increase or decrease their risk of becoming a crime victim.
Some people claim that the southwest part of Inglewood is the safest area of the city.
People sometimes indicate that the western part of the city is the worst area for crime.
5. Long Beach
Long Beach is the 43rd most populous city in the country and the seventh most populous city in California.
It is also among the most dangerous cities in Los Angeles County.
The City of Long Beach ranks among the Los Angeles County cities with the highest crime rates.
The crime rate for rape, murder, robbery, and assault in Long Beach surpasses the national average.
The city has a higher reported number of burglaries and thefts of motor vehicles.
Many people are likely to recommend the northeast area of the city for people who want to live in or visit the safest part of Long Beach.
Some people recommend staying away from the southern part of the city.
6. Pomona
Pomona is a beautiful city that is home to popular educational institutions.
It is also known for its high crime rate, which is well above the national average.
The 2020 crime rate in Pomona was higher than the crime rate in 90.9 percent of all cities in the U.S.
The high crime rate makes it one of the most dangerous cities in Los Angeles County.
The Pomona crime rate is also higher than the crime rate average for the State of California.
Statistics indicate that in 2020, the crime rate, per 100,000 people, for robberies, rapes, burglaries, and murders was well above the national average.
7. South Gate
South Gate is located seven miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles.
There are plenty of things to see and do in South Gate.
People need to take precautions to protect themselves and their property.
The crime rate in South Gate is nearly 64 percent higher than the national crime rate, and nearly 49 percent higher than the crime rate in California.
The violent crime rate in South Gate is more than 75 percent higher than the national average.
Although the murder rate in South Gate is below the state average and below the national average, the rate of aggravated assaults, robberies, and burglaries is well above the rate for the state and for the country.
Protect yourself by staying in areas where there are other people.
Do not travel alone in South Gate.
8. Lynwood
The Lynwood City Government has a mission to create and maintain a safe, clean, pride-filled city.
Many people likely do not feel pride when they live in or visit a dangerous city.
The crime rate for Lynwood is higher than the crime rate in 88 percent of the cities in the U.S.
The number of murders increased from one per 100,000 people in 2019 to four murders per 100,000 people in 2020.
The number of assaults and thefts also increased from 2019 to 2020.
Visit city attractions during the daytime hours to reduce your chances of becoming a crime victim.
The best advice is to stay away from areas that you do not know, especially at night.
9. Lancaster
Lancaster, California is in the northern part of Los Angeles County.
The beauty of the Antelope Valley of the western Mohave Desert attracts residents and visitors alike.
One thing that residents and visitors need to be aware of is that Lancaster is one of the most dangerous cities in Los Angeles County.
Lancaster has a significantly higher crime rate than many other cities in California and in the U.S.
The 2020 crime rate in the City of Lancaster was higher than in 89.4 percent of U.S. cities.
Violent crimes increased significantly from 2019 to 2020.
There were 16 murders per 100,000 people in 2020, compared to seven murders per 100,000 people in 2019.
The number of rapes and robberies decreased somewhat, while the number of auto thefts increased significantly from 2019 to 2020.
Go out with a friend or relative, not by yourself, especially at night in Lancaster.
10. Palmdale
Palmdale is known for becoming the first city in the Antelope Valley in 1962.
The area, which was first populated by American Indians, was populated by people from other cultures and groups over several thousand years.
Today, the city is one of the most dangerous cities in Los Angeles County.
Palmdale’s crime rate is higher than nearly 78 percent of the cities in the U.S.
The number of arsons, murders, and assaults increased from 2019 to 2020.
The number of auto thefts also increased during the same period.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Los Angeles County
1. Map Your Route Before You Go
Do not assume that the area you are traveling to is a safe city in Los Angeles County.
Do not stop in areas that you are not familiar with if you are traveling alone.
2. Phone a Friend
Do not go out alone.
Phone a friend to travel to Los Angeles County with you.
Do you live in Los Angeles County?
Take a friend with you when you go out for the night, whether you go to a bar, nightclub, casino, or an art museum.
3. Do Your Research
One area of the county or the city is safer than other areas.
Stay in the safest areas.
4. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Do not be naive when someone that you do not know seems friendly when you travel to Los Angeles County.
Be aware of your surroundings and the people who are around you.
5. Do Not Flash Your Money
Many people do not carry cash when traveling anymore.
If you do, avoid letting others see the cash in your wallet.
Los Angeles Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Los Angeles Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I avoid dangerous cities in Los Angeles County?
Los Angeles County has natural beauty, great weather, and a lot to see and do.
Take precautions and enjoy Los Angeles.
How do I know which hotel to book?
Review everything you read here and learn about the safest areas of the city.
Book your room there.
Is it safe to visit attractions in the dangerous Los Angeles County cities?
Visit attractions such as museums, beaches, parks, and other attractions during daytime hours.
Watch your surroundings.
Awareness of safety concerns is essential, and lists like these remind us of the challenges faced in some areas of Los Angeles County. Let’s hope for collective efforts to improve safety.
Safety conditions can vary widely within a large county like Los Angeles, so it’s crucial for residents and visitors o stay informed about specific neighborhoods and take precautions as needed.
While some cities in LA County may have safety challenges, the region as a whole offers a diverse range of vibrant communities with rich cultural experiences.
Addressing safety issues is a shared responsibility, and it’s encouraging to see local organizations, law enforcement, and residents working together to enhance the well-being of their communities.
While it’s important to acknowledge the safety concerns, it’s equally crucial to highlight the many positive aspects and initiatives within LA county that contribute to a safer and more vibran environment.