Is Golden or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Golden (Safety Score 38/100 vs 28/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,511 for Golden — 17% lower. Golden has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Golden has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 68.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Golden — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Golden, CO
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Golden | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,510.8 | 2,082.4 | +428.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 123.8 | 412.4 | -288.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 5.0 | 21.4 | -16.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.9 | 77.4 | -62.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 104.0 | 310.9 | -206.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,387.0 | 1,670.0 | +717.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 252.6 | 187.4 | +65.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,832.3 | 1,087.1 | +745.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 302.1 | 395.5 | -93.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Golden or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,511 for Golden — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Golden has a violent crime rate of 123.8 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Golden has lower violent crime.
About Golden, CO
Nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, Golden is home to Coors Brewery, a major employer since 1873. This historic city, with a population around 20,000, sits along Clear Creek, just west of Denver. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 20,193, Golden has a total crime rate of 2,510.8 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.