Is Clayton or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Clayton is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 58/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,451 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 30% 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 44.1x 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, NC
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Clayton | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,451.1 | 2,082.4 | -631.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 168.3 | 412.4 | -244.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 19.1 | 21.4 | -2.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.1 | 77.4 | -58.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 130.2 | 310.9 | -180.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,282.8 | 1,670.0 | -387.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 54.0 | 187.4 | -133.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,063.7 | 1,087.1 | -23.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 165.1 | 395.5 | -230.4 |
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 1,451 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Clayton has a violent crime rate of 168.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Clayton has lower violent crime.
About Clayton, NC
Clayton, NC, a town in Johnston County, has grown significantly from its agricultural roots, still evident in its annual Harvest Festival. It's now a rapidly developing suburb, home to many commuting to Research Triangle Park. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 31,494, Clayton has a total crime rate of 1,451.1 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.