Is Elk Grove or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Elk Grove is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 59/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,422 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 32% lower. Elk Grove has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Elk Grove has a 54% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 7.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Elk Grove — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Elk Grove, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Elk Grove | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,422.3 | 2,082.4 | -660.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 190.4 | 412.4 | -222.0 |
| Murder Rate | 1.7 | 2.5 | -0.8 |
| Rape Rate | 20.7 | 21.4 | -0.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.3 | 77.4 | -27.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 117.3 | 310.9 | -193.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,231.9 | 1,670.0 | -438.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 110.6 | 187.4 | -76.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 996.2 | 1,087.1 | -90.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 125.1 | 395.5 | -270.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elk Grove or San Diego safer?
Elk Grove is safer with a total crime rate of 1,422 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Elk Grove has a violent crime rate of 190.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Elk Grove has lower violent crime.
About Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove, California, a Sacramento suburb, grew from a 19th-century stagecoach stop. It's now a diverse community known for its family-friendly atmosphere and rapid population expansion. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 179,074, Elk Grove has a total crime rate of 1,422.3 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.