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Austin, TX vs San Diego, CA Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Austin crime rate · San Diego crime rate

Moving from Austin, TX to San Diego, CA?

An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

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Is Austin, TX or San Diego, CA Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, San Diego, CA is safer than Austin, TX (Safety Score 38/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin, TX — 44% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 62% lower rate.

Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Austin, TX?

Austin — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

San Diego — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Austin, TX

Austin, TX
Safety Score 11/100
Coverage 984,613
Total Crime Rate 3,709.4
Category Wins 0/7

San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA
Safety Score 38/100
Coverage 1,389,024
Total Crime Rate 2,082.4
Category Wins 7/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Austin San Diego Difference
Total Crime Rate 3,709.4 2,082.4 +1,627.0
Violent Crime Rate 467.5 412.4 +55.1
Murder Rate 6.6 2.5 +4.1
Rape Rate 67.6 21.4 +46.3
Robbery Rate 85.4 77.4 +8.0
Aggravated Assault Rate 307.2 310.9 -3.7
Property Crime Rate 3,241.9 1,670.0 +1,571.9
Burglary Rate 445.2 187.4 +257.8
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,198.1 1,087.1 +1,111.0
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 598.6 395.5 +203.1

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Austin, TX to San Diego, CA?

An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

Get the planner →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or San Diego safer?

San Diego, CA is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin, TX — a 44% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.

About Austin, TX

Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World," is a rapidly growing city in Central Texas. Situated on the Colorado River, it's the state capital and home to a diverse population, including many young professionals drawn to its tech industry. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 984,613, Austin has a total crime rate of 3,709.4 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.

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