Is Auburn or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Auburn is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 72/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,043 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 50% lower. Auburn has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Auburn has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 102.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Auburn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Auburn, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Auburn | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,042.7 | 2,082.4 | -1,039.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 381.9 | 412.4 | -30.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 36.7 | 21.4 | +15.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.0 | 77.4 | -55.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 323.1 | 310.9 | +12.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 660.9 | 1,670.0 | -1,009.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 88.1 | 187.4 | -99.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 470.0 | 1,087.1 | -617.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 102.8 | 395.5 | -292.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn or San Diego safer?
Auburn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,043 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Auburn has a violent crime rate of 381.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Auburn has lower violent crime.
About Auburn, CA
Auburn, California, once a Gold Rush boomtown, sits at the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. This small city in Placer County is known for its historic downtown and outdoor recreation. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 13,618, Auburn has a total crime rate of 1,042.7 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.