Is Des Moines or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Des Moines (Safety Score 38/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,146 for Des Moines — 34% lower. Des Moines has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where San Diego has a 41% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 43.8x 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 Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, WA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,145.7 | 2,082.4 | +1,063.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 296.6 | 412.4 | -115.8 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 2.5 | +0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 28.4 | 21.4 | +7.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 104.1 | 77.4 | +26.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 160.9 | 310.9 | -150.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,849.1 | 1,670.0 | +1,179.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 214.6 | 187.4 | +27.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,927.8 | 1,087.1 | +840.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 706.8 | 395.5 | +311.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,146 for Des Moines — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 296.6 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. 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 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.