Is Cottonwood or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cottonwood is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 60/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,391 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 33% lower. Cottonwood has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cottonwood has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 103.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cottonwood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cottonwood, AZ
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cottonwood | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,391.3 | 2,082.4 | -691.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 223.2 | 412.4 | -189.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 14.9 | 21.4 | -6.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.3 | 77.4 | -55.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 186.0 | 310.9 | -124.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,168.1 | 1,670.0 | -502.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 133.9 | 187.4 | -53.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 944.9 | 1,087.1 | -142.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 89.3 | 395.5 | -306.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cottonwood or San Diego safer?
Cottonwood is safer with a total crime rate of 1,391 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cottonwood has a violent crime rate of 223.2 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Cottonwood has lower violent crime.
About Cottonwood, AZ
Cottonwood, Arizona, nestled in the Verde Valley, was once a thriving ranching community. This Yavapai County town, with a population around 12,000, sits near the scenic Verde River. With a safety score of 60/100 and a population coverage of 13,441, Cottonwood has a total crime rate of 1,391.3 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.