Is Galveston or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Galveston (Safety Score 38/100 vs 21/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,917 for Galveston — 29% lower. Galveston has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 55% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 26.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Galveston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Galveston, TX
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Galveston | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,917.1 | 2,082.4 | +834.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 536.7 | 412.4 | +124.3 |
| Murder Rate | 5.7 | 2.5 | +3.1 |
| Rape Rate | 150.7 | 21.4 | +129.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 107.3 | 77.4 | +30.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 273.1 | 310.9 | -37.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,380.4 | 1,670.0 | +710.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 261.8 | 187.4 | +74.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,853.1 | 1,087.1 | +766.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 265.5 | 395.5 | -130.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Galveston or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,917 for Galveston — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Galveston has a violent crime rate of 536.7 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Galveston, TX
Galveston, a barrier island city, boasts a rich history with its Strand Historic District and Victorian architecture. Its population is diverse, reflecting a mix of long-time residents and a growing tourism industry. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 53,100, Galveston has a total crime rate of 2,917.1 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.