Surprising Study Crowns Los Angeles Second Safest Large City in the Nation

A recent, eye-opening study has shed new light on urban safety, revealing that Los Angeles, often perceived through a different lens, stands as the second safest large city in the United States. This significant finding, published by the personal finance website MoneyGeek, offers a refreshing perspective on the City of Angels, particularly for its nearly 4 million residents and countless visitors.

The comprehensive study meticulously analyzed FBI crime statistics from 2022, focusing on cities with populations exceeding 100,000.

What sets MoneyGeek's methodology apart is its innovative approach to quantifying safety: by calculating the 'cost of crime' per capita. This metric goes beyond mere incident counts, delving into the economic impact of various crimes, including homicides, rapes, aggravated assaults, and property crimes like burglaries and motor vehicle thefts.

The financial burden associated with these incidents, encompassing everything from property losses to legal fees and medical expenses, provides a holistic view of a city's safety landscape.

For Los Angeles, the results are compelling. The study determined that the per capita cost of crime in LA is approximately $2,698.

This figure is strikingly lower than the national average, especially when considering the sheer size and population density of the metropolitan area. This low cost contributed significantly to its impressive ranking, placing it firmly as the second safest among large cities (defined as those with populations over 300,000) and an impressive 17th overall across all cities surveyed.

Topping the list as the safest large city, and indeed the safest city overall, was Virginia Beach, Virginia, with a remarkably low per capita crime cost of $248.

Other cities lauded for their safety included Honolulu, Hawaii; Boise, Idaho; and Lincoln, Nebraska, all boasting per capita crime costs below $1,000. Even New York City, another colossal urban center, managed to secure a spot in the top 10 safest large cities.

Conversely, the study also identified cities struggling with high crime costs.

St. Louis, Missouri, was unfortunately ranked as the most dangerous city, with a staggering per capita crime cost of $8,457. Detroit, Michigan; Birmingham, Alabama; and Baltimore, Maryland also featured prominently on the list of cities facing significant safety challenges.

These findings from MoneyGeek's analysis are more than just numbers; they challenge preconceived notions and highlight the complex factors contributing to urban safety.

For Los Angeles, this study serves as a testament to various community efforts, policing strategies, and socio-economic dynamics that contribute to a safer environment for its diverse population. It underscores a positive narrative for one of America's most iconic cities, inviting a reevaluation of its safety profile.