Is Denton or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Denton is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 42/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,949 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 6% lower. Denton has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Denton has a 66% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 8.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Denton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Denton, TX
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Denton | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,948.8 | 2,082.4 | -133.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 204.2 | 412.4 | -208.2 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 2.5 | +1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 57.7 | 21.4 | +36.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.1 | 77.4 | -51.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 116.1 | 310.9 | -194.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.6 | 1,670.0 | +74.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 133.1 | 187.4 | -54.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,470.5 | 1,087.1 | +383.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 141.0 | 395.5 | -254.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denton or San Diego safer?
Denton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,949 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Denton has a violent crime rate of 204.2 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Denton has lower violent crime.
About Denton, TX
Denton, home to two universities, is a growing city north of Dallas and Fort Worth. Its vibrant music scene, particularly its jazz heritage, is well-known. The population is diverse, with a notable student presence. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 164,565, Denton has a total crime rate of 1,948.8 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.