parks
Skid Row's murder rate is 17 times higher than LA overall. Would clearing encampments change that?
By Agya K. Aning and Alain Stephens | The LA Local and LAist at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 1, 2026
· 7 min read
Tents and motorhomes in L.A.'s Skid Row area of downtown. The murder rate on Skid Row was 17 times higher in 2024 than in the city as a whole.(Apu Gomes / AFP via Getty Images)This story is a collaboration between the LAist and The LA Local. Agya K. Aning and Alain Stephens are freelance reporter...
Key takeaway The murder rate on Skid Row was 17 times higher in 2024 than in the city as a whole.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The stark disparity in murder rates between Skid Row and the rest of Los Angeles raises questions about the city's approach to addressing homelessness and public safety. As the debate over clearing encampments continues, it's crucial to consider the potential consequences on the unhoused community. While some argue that dismantling encampments is necessary to revitalize downtown areas and attract business, others contend that it could exacerbate the danger faced by those living on the streets. In Los Angeles, where the relationship between homelessness, crime, and economic development is complex, a nuanced solution is needed. The city must balance the need to maintain public order with the imperative to provide support services and safe housing options for its most vulnerable residents. As policymakers weigh their options, they should prioritize evidence-based approaches that address the root causes of homelessness and violence, rather than relying solely on encampment clearance as a solution.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 7 min
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What is this story about? Tents and motorhomes in L.A.'s Skid Row area of downtown. The murder rate on Skid Row was 17 times higher in 2024 than in the city as a whole.(Apu Gomes / AFP via Getty Images)This story is a collaboration between the LAist and The LA Local. Agya K. Aning and Alain Stephens are freelance reporter...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Agya K. Aning and Alain Stephens | The LA Local and LAist at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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