Is Gastonia or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Gastonia (Safety Score 38/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,364 for Gastonia — 52% lower. Gastonia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where San Diego has a 52% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 16.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gastonia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gastonia, NC
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gastonia | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,363.7 | 2,082.4 | +2,281.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 849.5 | 412.4 | +437.1 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 2.5 | +2.2 |
| Rape Rate | 37.6 | 21.4 | +16.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 123.4 | 77.4 | +46.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 683.8 | 310.9 | +372.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,514.2 | 1,670.0 | +1,844.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 512.3 | 187.4 | +324.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,587.2 | 1,087.1 | +1,500.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 414.8 | 395.5 | +19.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gastonia or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,364 for Gastonia — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gastonia has a violent crime rate of 849.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Gastonia, NC
Gastonia, North Carolina, a city with a rich textile history, sits west of Charlotte in Gaston County. Its population of over 80,000 residents reflects a diverse mix of backgrounds. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 85,112, Gastonia has a total crime rate of 4,363.7 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.