Is Benicia or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Benicia is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 68/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,164 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 44% lower. Benicia has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Benicia has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 53.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Benicia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Benicia, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Benicia | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,163.8 | 2,082.4 | -918.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 133.6 | 412.4 | -278.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 19.1 | 21.4 | -2.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 45.8 | 77.4 | -31.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 68.7 | 310.9 | -242.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,030.3 | 1,670.0 | -639.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 202.2 | 187.4 | +14.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 587.6 | 1,087.1 | -499.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 240.4 | 395.5 | -155.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benicia or San Diego safer?
Benicia is safer with a total crime rate of 1,164 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Benicia has a violent crime rate of 133.6 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Benicia has lower violent crime.
About Benicia, CA
Benicia, once California's state capital, is a waterfront city in Solano County, situated on the Carquinez Strait. Its population is diverse, with a notable artist community contributing to its unique character. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 26,207, Benicia has a total crime rate of 1,163.8 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.