Is Buffalo Grove or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Buffalo Grove is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 84/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 738 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 65% lower. Buffalo Grove has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Buffalo Grove has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 32.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Buffalo Grove — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo Grove, IL
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo Grove | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 737.9 | 2,082.4 | -1,344.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 21.3 | 412.4 | -391.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 4.7 | 21.4 | -16.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 4.7 | 77.4 | -72.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 11.8 | 310.9 | -299.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 716.6 | 1,670.0 | -953.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 115.9 | 187.4 | -71.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 548.7 | 1,087.1 | -538.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 52.0 | 395.5 | -343.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo Grove or San Diego safer?
Buffalo Grove is safer with a total crime rate of 738 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo Grove has a violent crime rate of 21.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Buffalo Grove has lower violent crime.
About Buffalo Grove, IL
Buffalo Grove, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago, was incorporated in 1958. This village, primarily in Lake County, has a significant Jewish population and is known for its well-regarded park district. With a safety score of 84/100 and a population coverage of 42,283, Buffalo Grove has a total crime rate of 737.9 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.