Is Fairfax City or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Fairfax City (Safety Score 38/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,432 for Fairfax City — 39% lower. Fairfax City has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fairfax City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 54.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fairfax City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fairfax City, VA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fairfax City | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,431.8 | 2,082.4 | +1,349.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 128.5 | 412.4 | -283.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 11.7 | 21.4 | -9.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.7 | 77.4 | -30.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 70.1 | 310.9 | -240.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,303.2 | 1,670.0 | +1,633.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 62.3 | 187.4 | -125.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,104.6 | 1,087.1 | +2,017.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 136.3 | 395.5 | -259.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax City or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,432 for Fairfax City — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fairfax City has a violent crime rate of 128.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Fairfax City has lower violent crime.
About Fairfax City, VA
Fairfax City, a Northern Virginia independent city, boasts a rich colonial history as the site of the first court to repudiate the Stamp Act. It is home to George Mason University, a major public research institution, drawing a diverse population. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 25,672, Fairfax City has a total crime rate of 3,431.8 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.