Is Arvada or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Arvada (Safety Score 38/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,765 for Arvada — 25% lower. Arvada has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Arvada has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 11.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Arvada — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Arvada, CO
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Arvada | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,765.3 | 2,082.4 | +682.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 286.4 | 412.4 | -126.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 20.8 | 21.4 | -0.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.5 | 77.4 | -30.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 218.3 | 310.9 | -92.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,478.9 | 1,670.0 | +808.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 343.7 | 187.4 | +156.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,760.0 | 1,087.1 | +672.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 375.2 | 395.5 | -20.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arvada or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,765 for Arvada — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Arvada has a violent crime rate of 286.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Arvada has lower violent crime.
About Arvada, CO
Arvada, CO, a Denver suburb, boasts a rich agricultural past, once known for its "Celery Capital of the World" status. The city spans both Jefferson and Adams counties, with a population exceeding 120,000. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 120,456, Arvada has a total crime rate of 2,765.3 per 100,000 residents.
About San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, a major port city with a significant Hispanic population, sits on the Pacific Ocean just north of the Mexican border. Known for its mild climate and Balboa Park, it's also home to a large naval presence. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 1,389,024, San Diego has a total crime rate of 2,082.4 per 100,000 residents.