Is Gainesville or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Gainesville (Safety Score 38/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,448 for Gainesville — 40% lower. Gainesville has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 47% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 9.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gainesville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gainesville, FL
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gainesville | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,447.8 | 2,082.4 | +1,365.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 744.1 | 412.4 | +331.7 |
| Murder Rate | 4.8 | 2.5 | +2.2 |
| Rape Rate | 85.7 | 21.4 | +64.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 133.3 | 77.4 | +55.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.2 | 310.9 | +203.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,703.7 | 1,670.0 | +1,033.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 307.4 | 187.4 | +120.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,292.9 | 1,087.1 | +1,205.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 103.4 | 395.5 | -292.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gainesville or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,448 for Gainesville — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gainesville has a violent crime rate of 744.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Gainesville, FL
Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, is a central North Florida city. Its humid subtropical climate supports a diverse population of over 140,000 residents. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 147,022, Gainesville has a total crime rate of 3,447.8 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.