Is Detroit or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Antonio is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 3/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,219 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 14% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Antonio has a 73% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 2.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Detroit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 5,219.0 | +867.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 595.3 | +1,186.2 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 8.4 | +22.8 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 83.7 | +9.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 108.4 | +75.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 393.7 | +1,079.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 4,623.6 | -318.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 495.6 | +207.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 3,291.8 | -947.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 836.3 | +422.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or San Antonio safer?
San Antonio is safer with a total crime rate of 5,219 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. San Antonio has lower violent crime.
About Detroit, MI
Detroit, once the "Motor City" and heart of the American auto industry, sits on the Detroit River, bordering Canada. This major Midwest city has a diverse population, with a significant African American heritage shaping its vibrant culture. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 651,171, Detroit has a total crime rate of 6,086.9 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.