With 88 incorporated communities and nearly 10 million citizens, Los Angeles County, California, is one of the most diverse and populated counties in the country. It is also the location of some of the most well-known and iconic tourist destinations on earth, including Disneyland, Hollywood, and the Malibu beaches.
But LA County has another side that is sometimes disregarded or hidden under the glitz and heat. This is the area of LA County where there is a high concentration of poverty, violence, and crime, which has an impact on the lives and general wellbeing of many locals and tourists.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reports that in 2023, there were 267,551 property crimes and 67,936 violent crimes in LA County, up 3.2% and 5.6%, respectively, from the year before.
Based on information and figures from multiple sources, we will examine the top five riskiest neighborhoods in Los Angeles County in this post.
| Neighborhood | Violent crime rate (per 100,000) | Property crime rate (per 100,000) |
| Skid Row | 1,059 | 6,676 |
| Compton | 1,346 | 3,382 |
| Fashion District | 1,071 | 5,059 |
| Watts | 1,026 | 3,036 |
| Koreatown | 767 | 4,361 |
Skid Row: This Downtown LA area is known for having a significant number of homeless individuals, drug addicts, and those with mental health challenges. The violent crime rate is 1,059 per 100,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 6,676 per 100,000 residents.
Compton: This urban area, situated in the south-central region of the county, is notorious for its gang conflicts, particularly involving the Bloods and the Crips.
With a violent crime rate of 1,346 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,382 per 100,000 residents, Compton faces challenges. The city has a legacy of racial tensions, poverty, and corruption, yet it also boasts a vibrant culture enriched with music, art, and activism.
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Fashion District: This part of Downtown LA is recognized for its wholesale clothing and textile enterprises, but it’s also notorious for unlawful practices like human trafficking, selling counterfeit goods, and money laundering.
The area has a high rate of violent crime, with 1,071 incidents per 100,000 residents, and property crime is prevalent as well, with a rate of 5,059 incidents per 100,000 residents.
Watts: This district, situated in the southern section of the county, is renowned for the Watts Towers, an iconic piece of folk art.
However, it is also known for social turmoil, including the Watts Riots of 1965 and the LA Riots of 1992. The area has a high violent crime rate of 1,026 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,036 per 100,000 residents.
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Koreatown: This region, situated in the central area of the county, stands as the largest Korean community outside of Korea, bustling with culture, culinary delights, and economic activity.
It experiences a violent crime rate of 767 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 4,361 incidents per 100,000 residents.
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To Conclude
While Los Angeles County boasts a diverse cultural landscape and undeniable attractions, it’s important to acknowledge safety concerns in specific areas.
This article highlights five neighborhoods with statistically high crime rates, aiming to inform readers and promote responsible decision-making. It’s crucial to note that crime statistics provide a general overview, and individual experiences within these communities may vary significantly.
Moreover, focusing solely on crime rates can overshadow the positive aspects and rich cultures present in these neighborhoods.
Addressing the root causes of crime through community-driven initiatives, improved resources, and social support systems is essential for fostering safer and more equitable environments for all Los Angeles County residents.
