Nationwide Violence vs. Los Angeles
Gun crime statistics (Dangerous Weapons, PC 12020) in Los Angeles are considerably higher than the national average in America. On average, the total crime rate in Los Angeles is 31 per 1,000 residents, with 6 out of every 1,000 being violent crimes. It is not the highest violent crime rate of any city in the US; that ‘honor' belongs to the prestigious city of East St. Louis. [1]
Los Angeles Gun Crime Statistics
The chance of becoming a victim of any firearm crime (violent or property) in Los Angeles is 1 in 33. Based on FBI crime data, Los Angeles is not one of the safest communities in America or even in the state of California. Relative to California, Los Angeles has a crime rate that is higher than 75% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes. [2]
However in terms of per capita, The City of Angels is near the middle of the pack in all violent crime, not much more or less dangerous than would be expected from the statistics, considering the population of the greater Los Angeles area is pushing 19 million.
For a more in-depth look, see Violent Crime Statistics For Every City In America.
An Unsettling Rise in Violent Crime
In Los Angeles, we found that the rate of weapon-related crime is among the highest in the nation, compared with cities both large and small. The tracked violent offenses included rape, armed robbery, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, and aggravated assault, including assault with a deadly weapon (Assault with a Deadly Weapon, PC 245(A)(1)). According to our analysis of FBI-reported crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of one of these crimes in Los Angeles is 1 in 155.
Our analysis also reveals that in 2016, Los Angeles's rate of weapon-related property crime was 24 per 1,000 people. This makes Los Angeles a place with an above-average chance of becoming a victim of a crime involving a weapon, compared with all other cities in America, regardless of population size. Property crimes include motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary. Your chance of becoming a victim of any of these crimes in Los Angeles is 1 in 42. [3]
Conclusion of Gun Crime Statistics
The facts are still the facts in Los Angeles: two-thirds of murders were committed with firearms. Its a lot easier to shoot someone than look them in the eyes while strangling them. Or, stabbing someone at close range may make one realize the magnitude of their actions and think twice, whereas pulling a trigger from a distance, often times may not. That's why firearms have consistently remained, Americas favorite murder weapon.
References:
[1] https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ca/los-angeles/crime
[2] https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-lapd-crime-increase-20160722-snap-story.html
