Is Des Moines or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Des Moines is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 17/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,146 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 40% lower. Des Moines has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Des Moines has a 62% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 47.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, WA
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,145.7 | 5,219.0 | -2,073.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 296.6 | 595.3 | -298.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 8.4 | -5.2 |
| Rape Rate | 28.4 | 83.7 | -55.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 104.1 | 108.4 | -4.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 160.9 | 393.7 | -232.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,849.1 | 4,623.6 | -1,774.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 214.6 | 495.6 | -281.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,927.8 | 3,291.8 | -1,364.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 706.8 | 836.3 | -129.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or San Antonio safer?
Des Moines is safer with a total crime rate of 3,146 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 296.6 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. Des Moines has lower violent crime.
About Des Moines, WA
Des Moines, Washington, a Puget Sound city, was once a popular resort town. Today, its waterfront views and proximity to Seattle attract a diverse population. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 31,694, Des Moines has a total crime rate of 3,145.7 per 100,000 residents.
About San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.