Is Boulder or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Boulder (Safety Score 38/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,055 for Boulder — 32% lower. Boulder has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boulder has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 13.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boulder — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boulder, CO
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boulder | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,055.3 | 2,082.4 | +972.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 322.3 | 412.4 | -90.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 35.2 | 21.4 | +13.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 77.4 | -32.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 242.4 | 310.9 | -68.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,733.0 | 1,670.0 | +1,063.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 383.1 | 187.4 | +195.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,141.7 | 1,087.1 | +1,054.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 208.2 | 395.5 | -187.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,055 for Boulder — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boulder has a violent crime rate of 322.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Boulder has lower violent crime.
About Boulder, CO
Nestled at the base of the Flatirons, Boulder is home to a highly educated populace, with a significant portion holding advanced degrees. This university city, known for its outdoor recreation and progressive culture, sits at an elevation of 5,430 feet. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 105,195, Boulder has a total crime rate of 3,055.3 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.