Is Des Plaines or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Des Plaines is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 64/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,260 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 39% lower. Des Plaines has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Des Plaines has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 24.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Des Plaines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Plaines, IL
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Plaines | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,260.1 | 2,082.4 | -822.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 120.6 | 412.4 | -291.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 19.2 | 21.4 | -2.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 24.5 | 77.4 | -52.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 76.9 | 310.9 | -234.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,139.5 | 1,670.0 | -530.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 417.7 | 187.4 | +230.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 601.2 | 1,087.1 | -485.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 120.6 | 395.5 | -274.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Plaines or San Diego safer?
Des Plaines is safer with a total crime rate of 1,260 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Plaines has a violent crime rate of 120.6 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Des Plaines has lower violent crime.
About Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines, home to the first McDonald's restaurant, sits along the Des Plaines River in Cook County. This suburban city, with a population around 58,000, is a diverse community northwest of Chicago. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 57,218, Des Plaines has a total crime rate of 1,260.1 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.