A recent study by SmartAsset has catapulted Los Angeles to the second-safest big city in the United States. The city of angels has consistently demonstrated its commitment to safety, with impressive rankings across various metrics.
What Makes Los Angeles Safe?
According to the study, Los Angeles has a low crime rate, with the ninth-lowest violent and property crime rates among the 50 largest cities in the country when adjusted for population. The city’s safety can be attributed to several factors ¹:
- Low Violent Crime Rate: Los Angeles reported a violent crime rate of 9.5 deaths from fatal car accidents and 23 deaths from drug overdoses per 100,000 residents.
- Low Property Crime Rate: The city ranked high in the study for having one of the lowest property crime rates in the nation.
- Vehicular Mortality Rate: Los Angeles ranked 17th lowest for fatal car accidents.
- Drug Overdose Deaths: The city ranked 14th lowest for drug overdose deaths.
Top 10 Safest Big Cities in the US
The study ranked cities based on five equally weighted categories:
- Violent crime rate per 100 adults
- Property crime rate per 100 adults
- Vehicular mortality rate per 100,000 residents
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 residents
- Excessive drinking percentage among adults
Here are the top 10 safest big cities in the US ²:
- 1. San Jose, CA: Ranked #1 for having the lowest violent and property crime rates, low overdose deaths, and high income.
- 2. Los Angeles, CA: Ranked #2 for its low traffic deaths despite its large population.
- 3. Fort Worth, TX: Ranked #3 for low crime rates and affordable housing.
- 4. Omaha, NE: Ranked #4 for balanced metrics with low vehicular deaths and affordable living costs.
- 5. Virginia Beach, VA: Ranked #5 for strong public safety with low violent crime rates.
- 6. Las Vegas, NV: Ranked #6 for moderate performance across categories but improvements in crime.
- 7. Arlington, TX: Ranked #7 for low crime and low excessive drinking.
- 8. El Paso, TX: Ranked #8 for low violent crime and affordable housing.
- 9. Charlotte, NC: Ranked #9 for strong public health and affordable cost of living.
- 10. Raleigh, NC: Ranked #10 for low crime and overdose rates with steady growth and livability.
Why This Ranking Matters
Safety rankings significantly impact quality of life, real estate values, and local economies. Investors, families, and individuals considering relocation often rely on these studies to make informed decisions. SmartAsset’s approach highlights the importance of health outcomes and public behavior in shaping perceptions of safety in cities
