Is Bel Air or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Bel Air (Safety Score 38/100 vs 34/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,245 for Bel Air — 7% lower. Bel Air has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 74% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 133.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bel Air — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bel Air, MD
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bel Air | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,245.3 | 2,082.4 | +162.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 239.9 | 412.4 | -172.5 |
| Murder Rate | 9.6 | 2.5 | +7.1 |
| Rape Rate | 9.6 | 21.4 | -11.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.8 | 77.4 | -48.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 191.9 | 310.9 | -119.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,005.4 | 1,670.0 | +335.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 96.0 | 187.4 | -91.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,823.1 | 1,087.1 | +736.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 86.4 | 395.5 | -309.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bel Air or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,245 for Bel Air — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bel Air has a violent crime rate of 239.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Bel Air has lower violent crime.
About Bel Air, MD
Bel Air, Maryland, the county seat of Harford County, is a suburban community with a rich history, once serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Located north of Baltimore, its population is primarily composed of families and professionals. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 10,422, Bel Air has a total crime rate of 2,245.3 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.