Is Elk River or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Elk River is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 70/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,096 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 47% lower. Elk River has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Elk River has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 49.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Elk River — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Elk River, MN
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Elk River | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,096.1 | 2,082.4 | -986.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 89.8 | 412.4 | -322.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 32.3 | 21.4 | +11.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.2 | 77.4 | -70.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 50.3 | 310.9 | -260.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,006.3 | 1,670.0 | -663.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.5 | 187.4 | -32.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 797.8 | 1,087.1 | -289.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 53.9 | 395.5 | -341.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elk River or San Diego safer?
Elk River is safer with a total crime rate of 1,096 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Elk River has a violent crime rate of 89.8 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Elk River has lower violent crime.
About Elk River, MN
Elk River, the Sherburne County seat, is where the Elk River meets the Mississippi. Its hydroelectric power plant, built in 1907, was instrumental in its early growth. The city is home to over 27,000 residents. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 27,826, Elk River has a total crime rate of 1,096.1 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.