Is Carlsbad or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carlsbad is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 49/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,710 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 18% lower. Carlsbad has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Carlsbad has a 65% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 12.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Carlsbad — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carlsbad, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Carlsbad | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,710.3 | 2,082.4 | -372.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 199.1 | 412.4 | -213.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.9 | 2.5 | -1.6 |
| Rape Rate | 6.2 | 21.4 | -15.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.5 | 77.4 | -42.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 157.5 | 310.9 | -153.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,511.2 | 1,670.0 | -158.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.2 | 187.4 | +48.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,166.1 | 1,087.1 | +79.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 108.8 | 395.5 | -286.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlsbad or San Diego safer?
Carlsbad is safer with a total crime rate of 1,710 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Carlsbad has a violent crime rate of 199.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Carlsbad has lower violent crime.
About Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad is a coastal city in northern San Diego County, known for LEGOLAND California, which opened in 1999. Its affluent population enjoys a Mediterranean climate and seven miles of picturesque beaches. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 113,023, Carlsbad has a total crime rate of 1,710.3 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.