Is Cottonwood Heights or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cottonwood Heights is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 49/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,702 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 18% lower. Cottonwood Heights has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Cottonwood Heights has a 79% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 43.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cottonwood Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cottonwood Heights, UT
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cottonwood Heights | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,702.4 | 2,082.4 | -380.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 88.1 | 412.4 | -324.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 2.5 | +0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 18.9 | 21.4 | -2.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.3 | 77.4 | -49.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 37.8 | 310.9 | -273.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,614.3 | 1,670.0 | -55.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 125.9 | 187.4 | -61.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,362.6 | 1,087.1 | +275.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 125.9 | 395.5 | -269.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cottonwood Heights or San Diego safer?
Cottonwood Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,702 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cottonwood Heights has a violent crime rate of 88.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Cottonwood Heights has lower violent crime.
About Cottonwood Heights, UT
Cottonwood Heights, nestled against the Wasatch Range foothills, was incorporated in 2005, reflecting its primarily residential character. This affluent Salt Lake County suburb features a significant proportion of residents with higher education degrees. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 31,778, Cottonwood Heights has a total crime rate of 1,702.4 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.