Los Angeles County holds more than 10 million residents—more than a quarter of California’s entire population. As a cultural epicenter of the United States, countless people move into its dozens of neighborhoods for jobs, education, and other personal opportunities. But not everywhere is considered safe.

And while the following statistics don’t guarantee that you’ll be a victim in these locations, it is significantly more likely. But what exactly makes them so treacherous? Below are the neighborhoods in L.A. with high violent crime (and overall crime) rates.

Vermont Vista

This neighborhood averages more than a dozen violent crimes per week—nearly 2 violent crimes per day in a population of slightly fewer than 25,000 residents.

Vermont Vista is mapped as a long rectangle bordered by Manchester Ave, Highway 110, W 120th St, and Vermont Ave. It mirrors Broadway-Manchester, the next neighborhood on this list, with Highway 110 as a y-axis between them.

Broadway-Manchester

The LA Times ranks this area as having the 5th highest violent crime rate in Los Angeles, based on averages since June 2021. And with more than 10 violent crimes per week on average, it’s not hard to understand why. There are also 15 property crimes in an average week.

This neighborhood extends from the edge of the Harbor Freeway to S San Pedro Street, capped by Manchester Ave and W 120th St.

Vermont Knolls

Vermont Knolls has averaged 10.5 violent crimes per week since June 2021, and just less than 10 property crimes per week in the same period. This area is nestled between S Normandie Ave, W Florence Ave, Highway 110, and W Manchester Ave.

Harvard Park

This area has just under 5 violent crimes per week on average, and just over that same number of property crimes per week.

Harvard Park is built around a park of the same name and spans W 54th St, S Normandie Ave, E Florence Ave, and S Western Ave.

Toy District

Though shoppers and tourists frequent this district for its blocks upon blocks of stores, Forbes lists the Toy District as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the United States. With more than 230 violent crimes per year and an estimated per capita rate of nearly 350 per 1,000 residents, it’s easy to see why. 

The toy district is squared between E 3rd St, San Pedro St, 5th St, and S Los Angeles St.

New Chinatown

The LA Times has tracked an average of 2.5 violent and almost 6 property crimes per week in Chinatown. With a population of fewer than 30,000 people, this is exceptionally high.

According to Google Maps, this neighborhood is walled in by Highway 101, the San Bernardino Freeway, Interstate 5, and Highway 110. Through its center runs the Los Angeles River.

Chesterfield Square

This neighborhood averages 3.8 violent crimes per week and 3.7 property crimes per week. It is bordered by S Western Ave, E Florence Ave, S Van Ness Ave, and W 54th St.

If you’re concerned about your safety, She’s Birdie carries a personal alarm keychain.

Safe Affordable Neighborhoods in L.A.

Lists like these can make it seem like everywhere in Los Angeles is dangerous—that’s far from the case. There are just as many, if not more, neighborhoods that are perfectly suitable for families and students.

Unfortunately, though, many of the safest areas are unusually expensive, even by California standards. As such, here are a few alternative neighborhoods that are not only safer but financially feasible as well:

  • West Covina: If you’re able to push your budget up into the $400,000 range, West Covina has a violent crime rate nearly half that of the rest of California at only 2.61 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
  • La Puente: This area has around 3 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, and the average listing is only slightly higher than $375,000. La Puente can be a superb option for those who can’t afford West Covina or who prefer a different location.
  • Bell Gardens: With a crime rate just lower than 3 violent crimes per 1,000 people, Bell Gardens is on par with La Puente in terms of safety. However, its average listing price is less at only $350,000. This makes it a much more accessible option for those with a tighter budget.

Conclusion

The City of Angels holds numerous opportunities for those seeking higher education, artistic liberation, or a career in tech and other industries. However, it makes sense to avoid areas where violent crime is high, especially if want to raise a family. Places like Bell Gardens and other low-crime, affordable neighborhoods mean you won’t have to compromise between safety and price.