Is Burlington or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Burlington is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 44/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,888 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 9% lower. Burlington has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Burlington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 51.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burlington, MA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burlington | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,887.6 | 2,082.4 | -194.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 224.9 | 412.4 | -187.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 22.1 | 21.4 | +0.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.8 | 77.4 | -62.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 188.0 | 310.9 | -122.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,662.7 | 1,670.0 | -7.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 95.9 | 187.4 | -91.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,519.0 | 1,087.1 | +431.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.9 | 395.5 | -347.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington or San Diego safer?
Burlington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,888 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burlington has a violent crime rate of 224.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Burlington has lower violent crime.
About Burlington, MA
Burlington, MA, a Middlesex County suburb, is known for its robust tech industry and the Burlington Mall. It was incorporated in 1799, separating from Woburn, and is home to a diverse, affluent population. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 27,124, Burlington has a total crime rate of 1,887.6 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.