Is Brookings or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brookings is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 64/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,266 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 39% lower. Brookings has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brookings has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 56.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brookings — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brookings, SD
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brookings | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,266.3 | 2,082.4 | -816.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 89.3 | 412.4 | -323.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 16.2 | 21.4 | -5.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 77.4 | -77.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 69.0 | 310.9 | -241.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,177.0 | 1,670.0 | -493.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 44.7 | 187.4 | -142.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,059.3 | 1,087.1 | -27.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 73.1 | 395.5 | -322.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brookings or San Diego safer?
Brookings is safer with a total crime rate of 1,266 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brookings has a violent crime rate of 89.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Brookings has lower violent crime.
About Brookings, SD
Brookings, South Dakota, home to South Dakota State University, is a plains community near the Minnesota border. Its population of around 24,000 is largely influenced by the university's students and faculty. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 24,638, Brookings has a total crime rate of 1,266.3 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.