Is Macarthur Park West a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Los Angeles, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
225 Registered Offenders Nearby
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a potential medical emergency involving an ambulance battery call with a suspect near West Vernon Avenue with fire department staging nearby. | W Vernon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90037 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers are responding to a report of possible child abuse at an apartment near Hillcrest Dr. A 16-year-old male is mentioned in the dispatch; the suspect description is unclear from the audio (appears to reference a Black female, but wording conflicts). | Hillcrest Dr d, Los Angeles, CA 90008 | Domestic Dispute |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers conduct a traffic stop near Alvarado Street and 8th Street, with units also checking the area around 6th Street and Alvarado. | W 8th St & S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched to a possible rubbish fire near the intersection of Broadway and Valley Street in Los Angeles. | Valley St, Los Angeles, CA 90057 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, units are responding Code 3 to a reported traffic collision involving a vehicle and a motorcycle near 3rd Street and Sycamore Avenue in Los Angeles. | S Sycamore Ave & W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, units are responding to a reported traffic collision near West Vernon Avenue involving a rescue vehicle and a motorcycle. | This is a hostel, 522 W Vernon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90037 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a sick person requiring advanced life support was reported near East First Street and North Alameda Avenue in Los Angeles. Highway patrol is on scene. | 1st St & N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic reports a possible crash involving a vehicle and a motorcyclist near 3rd Street and Sycamore Avenue, with a traffic unit requested to respond with lights and sirens. | S Sycamore Ave & W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers responded to a reported traffic collision near South La Brea Avenue and Venice Boulevard in Los Angeles. One party was confirmed not involved, and traffic units later appeared to address a possible related collision near Sycamore. | S La Brea Ave & Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers and an ambulance were sent to a hospital near West Vernon Avenue for a reported battery suspect. The suspect was described by clothing, and no weapons were mentioned. | W Vernon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90037 | Assault Report |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Overview
Macarthur Park West is a densely urban neighborhood in Los Angeles with a population density of 42,198 people per square mile, ranking it among the densest in the nation.
The housing stock is mostly small to medium apartment complexes, with a high renter occupancy and a moderate vacancy rate of 7.1%, near the national median.
Quick Facts
| Vacancy Rate | 7.1% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Macarthur Park West features mostly rental apartments, predominantly small units in large complexes or high-rises, reflecting a dense urban setting.
| Renter Occupied Rate | 93.9% |
|---|---|
| Large Apartment Buildings | 85.3% |
| Small Unit Share (1-2 bedrooms or studios) | 94.1% |
What buyers will notice right away
Families & Lifestyle
This neighborhood is recognized for its college student-friendly environment, walkability, and cultural diversity.
| College-Friendly Ranking in CA | Top 8.3% |
|---|---|
| Walkability | Among top 5% in America |
Demographics
| Sales & Service Workers | 35.5% |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing & Laborer Occupations | 32.6% |
| Child Poverty Rate | 45.3% |
| Income Level | Lower than 74.7% of U.S. neighborhoods |
| Mexican Ancestry | 30.1% |
| Asian Ancestry | 20.2% |
| Korean Language Speakers | 10.0% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 53.4% |
Commute
Residents typically have moderate-length commutes with a mix of driving, bus, and carpooling.
Macarthur Park West offers diverse transit options with very high bus ridership and average commute lengths.
| Most Common Commute Time | 30 to 45 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 48.3% |
| Bus Commute Rate | 30.8% |
| Carpool Rate | 10.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Macarthur Park West mostly rental or owner-occupied?
It is predominantly renter-occupied with 93.9% of housing rented.
How walkable is the neighborhood?
It ranks among the top 5% most walkable neighborhoods in America.
What is the typical commute like?
Most residents commute 30 to 45 minutes, with very high bus ridership.