Using Machine Learning to Predict Crime in Los Angeles From 2020 to Present

Crime is influenced by various factors, and crime in the city of Los Angeles is no different; social, economic, and political factors are all influences that contribute to crime. The crime in Los Angeles from 2020 to now has seen a significant shift in crime patterns. These patterns can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, where violent crimes such as homicides and aggravated assaults rose, and property crimes declined. Additionally, economic instability and criminal justice reforms also led to a fluctuating crime landscape in the city. This project analyzed over a million reported crimes in the city of Los Angeles from 2020 to February 19, 2025. The data was synthesized to predict an 80% probability of a specific crime occurring and how socioeconomic factors contribute to crime in the area. The analysis found motor vehicle theft to be the most prevalent crime in the city. A forecasting model was created to understand the overall trend of motor vehicle thefts and predict its changes in the future. Multiple machine learning techniques were developed to fully examine and compare the reported crimes.