United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Los Angeles scores 76/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Los Angeles is generally safe for visitors, but stay alert in crowded areas and at night. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 28 July 2026
76
/ 100
Safer than ~81% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-27T09:23:27.0923131-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery are uncommon but can occur in isolated neighborhoods at night, especially in parts of South LA and the Skid Row area.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag‑snatching are frequent in crowded venues such as Hollywood Boulevard, Downtown LA, and major transit hubs.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
63/100
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel comfortable in well‑patrolled tourist zones but express concern over occasional street crime and visible homelessness.
Yes — Los Angeles is generally safe for visitors, but stay alert in crowded areas and at night.
LA’s composite safety index of 79 reflects moderate crime risk balanced by strong institutional stability and low terrorism threat; most visitor‑related incidents are petty theft or pickpocketing in tourist hubs.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Los Angeles is generally safe for travelers, but the data shows a mixed picture that warrants vigilance. The city’s composite safety index of 79 reflects moderate crime risk balanced by strong institutional stability and a low terrorism threat; most visitor‑related incidents involve petty theft or pickpocketing in crowded areas such as Hollywood Boulevard, Downtown, and major transit hubs. Recent news from July 2026 highlights chaotic scenes inside LA’s libraries involving drug use and former inmates (New York Post, Jun 2026) and a high‑profile protest‑related arrest that sparked public safety debates (Los Angeles Times, Jul 2026), underscoring occasional unrest in certain neighborhoods. Pickpocketing remains high in tourist hotspots, while mugging and armed robbery are moderate risks, primarily occurring in isolated parts of South LA and the Skid Row area after dark. Visitor sentiment scores around 68, indicating most feel comfortable in well‑patrolled zones but express concern over visible homelessness and street crime. To stay safe, keep valuables concealed, use reputable rideshares or licensed taxis at night, and verify any charitable appeals before donating. Remaining alert in busy districts and avoiding poorly lit, deserted streets after dark will let you enjoy LA’s attractions with minimal risk.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Los Angeles districts for visitors: 2 safer, 3 needing caution. See them plotted on the Los Angeles safety map.
Hollywood HillscautionCaution after dark; occasional petty crime near nightlife hubs
Downtown Arts DistrictcautionCaution in early evening; low-level street activity near homeless encampments
Venice BeachcautionCaution at night; occasional drug activity near boardwalk
Santa MonicasaferGenerally safe but watch belongings in crowded beach areas
Silver LakesaferSafe overall; stay alert on main streets after midnight
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Mugging and armed robbery are uncommon but can occur in isolated neighborhoods at night, especially in parts of South LA and the Skid Row area.
After dark, be most careful around Hollywood Hills, Downtown Arts District, Venice Beach. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Los Angeles's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Los Angeles is generally safe for visitors, but stay alert in crowded areas and at night. LA’s composite safety index of 79 reflects moderate crime risk balanced by strong institutional stability and low terrorism threat; most visitor‑related incidents are petty theft or pickpocketing in tourist hubs. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Downtown Arts District after dark; Venice Beach after dark. See the district-by-district safety map.
Los Angeles ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 76/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: los-angeles.json (CC BY 4.0).
