Is Fresno or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Fresno (Safety Score 38/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,008 for Fresno — 48% lower. Fresno has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 57% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 2.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fresno — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fresno, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fresno | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,007.5 | 2,082.4 | +1,925.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 736.2 | 412.4 | +323.8 |
| Murder Rate | 5.9 | 2.5 | +3.3 |
| Rape Rate | 44.6 | 21.4 | +23.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 167.9 | 77.4 | +90.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 517.1 | 310.9 | +206.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,271.3 | 1,670.0 | +1,601.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 396.2 | 187.4 | +208.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,204.1 | 1,087.1 | +1,117.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 671.1 | 395.5 | +275.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresno or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,008 for Fresno — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fresno has a violent crime rate of 736.2 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Fresno, CA
Fresno, the "Raisin Capital of the World," is a Central Valley city with a diverse population exceeding 540,000. Its agricultural roots are deep, situated amidst fertile farmland and experiencing hot, dry summers. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 546,722, Fresno has a total crime rate of 4,007.5 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.