Is Dallas or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dallas is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 86/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 681 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 67% lower. Dallas has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dallas has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 90.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Dallas — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, GA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 680.8 | 2,082.4 | -1,401.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 98.2 | 412.4 | -314.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 21.4 | -21.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.2 | 77.4 | -51.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 72.0 | 310.9 | -238.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 582.6 | 1,670.0 | -1,087.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 78.6 | 187.4 | -108.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 458.2 | 1,087.1 | -628.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 45.8 | 395.5 | -349.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or San Diego safer?
Dallas is safer with a total crime rate of 681 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 98.2 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Dallas has lower violent crime.
About Dallas, GA
Dallas, Georgia, the county seat of Paulding County, was incorporated in 1854 and is named for U.S. Vice President George M. Dallas. It is situated roughly 35 miles northwest of Atlanta and has experienced significant suburban growth. With a safety score of 86/100 and a population coverage of 15,276, Dallas has a total crime rate of 680.8 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.