Is Bristol or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bristol is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 74/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,016 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 51% lower. Bristol has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Bristol has a 86% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 22.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bristol — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bristol, CT
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bristol | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,016.2 | 2,082.4 | -1,066.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 58.2 | 412.4 | -354.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 2.5 | +0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 8.1 | 21.4 | -13.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 25.9 | 77.4 | -51.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 21.0 | 310.9 | -289.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 958.1 | 1,670.0 | -712.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 85.6 | 187.4 | -101.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 563.9 | 1,087.1 | -523.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 308.6 | 395.5 | -86.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristol or San Diego safer?
Bristol is safer with a total crime rate of 1,016 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 58.2 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Bristol has lower violent crime.
About Bristol, CT
Bristol, CT, once known as a clock-making hub, is a suburban city in Hartford County. It’s home to ESPN and a diverse population of around 60,000 residents. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 61,895, Bristol has a total crime rate of 1,016.2 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.