Is Fountain Valley or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fountain Valley is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 41/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,965 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 6% lower. Fountain Valley has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fountain Valley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 25.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fountain Valley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fountain Valley, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fountain Valley | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,964.5 | 2,082.4 | -117.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 180.1 | 412.4 | -232.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 16.4 | 21.4 | -5.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 61.9 | 77.4 | -15.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 100.1 | 310.9 | -210.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,784.5 | 1,670.0 | +114.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.7 | 187.4 | +87.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,337.0 | 1,087.1 | +249.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 172.8 | 395.5 | -222.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fountain Valley or San Diego safer?
Fountain Valley is safer with a total crime rate of 1,965 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fountain Valley has a violent crime rate of 180.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Fountain Valley has lower violent crime.
About Fountain Valley, CA
Fountain Valley, a suburban Orange County city incorporated in 1957, is home to Mile Square Regional Park. This largely residential community, once known for its abundant artesian wells, sits just inland from the Pacific coast. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 54,975, Fountain Valley has a total crime rate of 1,964.5 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.