Is El Paso or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Paso is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 47/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 15% lower. El Paso has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where El Paso has a 52% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 2.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
El Paso — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
El Paso, TX
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | El Paso | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,773.0 | 2,082.4 | -309.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 279.0 | 412.4 | -133.4 |
| Murder Rate | 3.0 | 2.5 | +0.4 |
| Rape Rate | 0.6 | 21.4 | -20.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.1 | 77.4 | -40.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 237.8 | 310.9 | -73.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,494.0 | 1,670.0 | -176.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 140.2 | 187.4 | -47.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,072.4 | 1,087.1 | -14.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 281.4 | 395.5 | -114.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Paso or San Diego safer?
El Paso is safer with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
El Paso has a violent crime rate of 279.0 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. El Paso has lower violent crime.
About El Paso, TX
Nestled at the base of the Franklin Mountains, El Paso is a large border city with a rich Tejano heritage. Its unique position makes it the largest binational metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere, boasting a vibrant blend of American and Mexican cultures. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 678,860, El Paso has a total crime rate of 1,773.0 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.