Is Gaithersburg or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gaithersburg is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 54/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 25% lower. Gaithersburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gaithersburg has a 43% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 20.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gaithersburg — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gaithersburg, MD
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gaithersburg | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,564.9 | 2,082.4 | -517.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 252.9 | 412.4 | -159.5 |
| Murder Rate | 1.4 | 2.5 | -1.1 |
| Rape Rate | 28.7 | 21.4 | +7.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 64.7 | 77.4 | -12.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 158.1 | 310.9 | -152.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,312.0 | 1,670.0 | -358.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 150.9 | 187.4 | -36.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,023.1 | 1,087.1 | -63.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 138.0 | 395.5 | -257.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or San Diego safer?
Gaithersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gaithersburg has a violent crime rate of 252.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Gaithersburg has lower violent crime.
About Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg, a diverse city in Montgomery County, boasts a rich agricultural past, evidenced by its annual county fair. Situated along the I-270 technology corridor, it's a bustling hub with a significant immigrant population. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 69,590, Gaithersburg has a total crime rate of 1,564.9 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.