Is Cedar Rapids or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Cedar Rapids (Safety Score 38/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — 29% lower. Cedar Rapids has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cedar Rapids has a 71% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 10.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cedar Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cedar Rapids, IA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cedar Rapids | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,951.3 | 2,082.4 | +868.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.3 | 412.4 | -150.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 2.5 | -1.8 |
| Rape Rate | 11.1 | 21.4 | -10.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.3 | 77.4 | -47.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 219.4 | 310.9 | -91.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,689.1 | 1,670.0 | +1,019.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 187.4 | +86.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,203.0 | 1,087.1 | +1,115.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 395.5 | -183.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,951 for Cedar Rapids — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 262.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Cedar Rapids has lower violent crime.
About Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a city bisected by the Cedar River, boasts a vibrant Czech Village reflecting its immigrant history. It is the second-largest city in Iowa, with a population approaching 140,000. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 135,363, Cedar Rapids has a total crime rate of 2,951.3 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.