Is Ellensburg or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Ellensburg (Safety Score 38/100 vs 30/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,409 for Ellensburg — 14% lower. Ellensburg has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ellensburg has a 72% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 75.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ellensburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ellensburg, WA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ellensburg | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,409.1 | 2,082.4 | +326.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 227.4 | 412.4 | -185.0 |
| Murder Rate | 5.4 | 2.5 | +2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 92.0 | 21.4 | +70.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.7 | 77.4 | -55.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 108.3 | 310.9 | -202.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,181.7 | 1,670.0 | +511.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 243.6 | 187.4 | +56.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,856.9 | 1,087.1 | +769.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 81.2 | 395.5 | -314.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ellensburg or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,409 for Ellensburg — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ellensburg has a violent crime rate of 227.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Ellensburg has lower violent crime.
About Ellensburg, WA
Ellensburg, a Kittitas Valley city, is home to Central Washington University and a rich rodeo tradition. Its location east of the Cascade Mountains contributes to its drier climate and agricultural roots, with a population around 20,000. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 18,472, Ellensburg has a total crime rate of 2,409.1 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.