Is Chelmsford or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chelmsford is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 65/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 40% lower. Chelmsford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chelmsford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 37.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chelmsford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chelmsford, MA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chelmsford | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,250.2 | 2,082.4 | -832.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 122.3 | 412.4 | -290.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 16.3 | 21.4 | -5.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.7 | 77.4 | -74.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 103.3 | 310.9 | -207.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,127.9 | 1,670.0 | -542.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 116.9 | 187.4 | -70.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 975.7 | 1,087.1 | -111.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 35.3 | 395.5 | -360.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chelmsford or San Diego safer?
Chelmsford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chelmsford has a violent crime rate of 122.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Chelmsford has lower violent crime.
About Chelmsford, MA
Chelmsford, incorporated in 1655, is a suburban town northwest of Boston. It's home to a diverse population, with a notable East Asian community. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 36,795, Chelmsford has a total crime rate of 1,250.2 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.