Is Clayton or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Clayton is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 78/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 897 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 57% lower. Clayton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Clayton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 79.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Clayton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Clayton, MO
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Clayton | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 897.1 | 2,082.4 | -1,185.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 102.9 | 412.4 | -309.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 11.4 | 21.4 | -10.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.9 | 77.4 | -54.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 68.6 | 310.9 | -242.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 794.2 | 1,670.0 | -875.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 102.9 | 187.4 | -84.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 542.8 | 1,087.1 | -544.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 148.6 | 395.5 | -247.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clayton or San Diego safer?
Clayton is safer with a total crime rate of 897 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Clayton has a violent crime rate of 102.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Clayton has lower violent crime.
About Clayton, MO
Clayton, Missouri, the seat of St. Louis County, is an affluent suburb known for its business district and upscale boutiques. It is home to Washington University School of Law and consistently ranks among the most educated cities in the U.S. With a safety score of 78/100 and a population coverage of 17,501, Clayton has a total crime rate of 897.1 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.