Is Ferguson or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Ferguson (Safety Score 38/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,211 for Ferguson — 51% lower. Ferguson has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 93% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 77.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ferguson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ferguson, MO
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ferguson | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,210.8 | 2,082.4 | +2,128.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 712.1 | 412.4 | +299.7 |
| Murder Rate | 33.6 | 2.5 | +31.1 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 21.4 | +6.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 123.4 | 77.4 | +46.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 527.1 | 310.9 | +216.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,498.7 | 1,670.0 | +1,828.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 555.1 | 187.4 | +367.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,040.9 | 1,087.1 | +953.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 902.7 | 395.5 | +507.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ferguson or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,211 for Ferguson — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ferguson has a violent crime rate of 712.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Ferguson, MO
Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, has a rich history rooted in its founding in 1894 as a railroad stop. Today, its diverse population of around 18,000 residents reflects a community with a median age in the early 30s. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 17,835, Ferguson has a total crime rate of 4,210.8 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.