Is Foster City or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Foster City is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 84/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 739 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 65% lower. Foster City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Foster City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 43.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Foster City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Foster City, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Foster City | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 738.6 | 2,082.4 | -1,343.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 69.4 | 412.4 | -342.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 6.3 | 21.4 | -15.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.1 | 77.4 | -55.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 41.0 | 310.9 | -269.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 669.2 | 1,670.0 | -1,000.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 22.1 | 187.4 | -165.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 555.6 | 1,087.1 | -531.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 91.5 | 395.5 | -304.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Foster City or San Diego safer?
Foster City is safer with a total crime rate of 739 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Foster City has a violent crime rate of 69.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Foster City has lower violent crime.
About Foster City, CA
Foster City, a master-planned community built on reclaimed land in San Mateo County, sits on the San Francisco Peninsula. Its lagoons and canals, a defining feature, are home to a diverse population of over 30,000 residents. With a safety score of 84/100 and a population coverage of 31,680, Foster City has a total crime rate of 738.6 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.