Is Cincinnati or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Cincinnati (Safety Score 38/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,678 for Cincinnati — 55% lower. Cincinnati has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 88% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 4.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cincinnati — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cincinnati, OH
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cincinnati | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,677.8 | 2,082.4 | +2,595.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 848.5 | 412.4 | +436.2 |
| Murder Rate | 21.8 | 2.5 | +19.3 |
| Rape Rate | 57.1 | 21.4 | +35.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 231.7 | 77.4 | +154.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 535.0 | 310.9 | +224.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,829.3 | 1,670.0 | +2,159.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 548.5 | 187.4 | +361.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,395.1 | 1,087.1 | +1,308.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 885.8 | 395.5 | +490.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cincinnati or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,678 for Cincinnati — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cincinnati has a violent crime rate of 848.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Cincinnati, OH
Nestled along the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a city of historic architecture, including the iconic Music Hall. Its diverse population reflects a blend of Midwestern industriousness and Southern charm. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 311,599, Cincinnati has a total crime rate of 4,677.8 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.