Is Decatur or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Decatur (Safety Score 38/100 vs 30/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,401 for Decatur — 13% lower. Decatur has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Decatur has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 57.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Decatur — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Decatur, GA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Decatur | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,401.3 | 2,082.4 | +318.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 132.7 | 412.4 | -279.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 12.4 | 21.4 | -8.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 62.2 | 77.4 | -15.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 58.1 | 310.9 | -252.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,268.6 | 1,670.0 | +598.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 277.9 | 187.4 | +90.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,783.3 | 1,087.1 | +696.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 207.4 | 395.5 | -188.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Decatur or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,401 for Decatur — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Decatur has a violent crime rate of 132.7 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Decatur has lower violent crime.
About Decatur, GA
Decatur, a tree-lined city and the county seat of DeKalb, is known for its vibrant town square and independent businesses. It's home to Agnes Scott College, a historic women's college, and boasts a highly educated population, with a significant percentage holding graduate degrees. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 24,112, Decatur has a total crime rate of 2,401.3 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.