Is Grand Rapids or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Grand Rapids is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 69/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,121 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 46% lower. Grand Rapids has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Grand Rapids has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 122.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Grand Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Rapids, MN
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Grand Rapids | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,120.6 | 2,082.4 | -961.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 88.2 | 412.4 | -324.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 8.8 | 21.4 | -12.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 77.4 | -77.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 79.4 | 310.9 | -231.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,032.4 | 1,670.0 | -637.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 17.7 | 187.4 | -169.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,014.7 | 1,087.1 | -72.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 0.0 | 395.5 | -395.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Rapids or San Diego safer?
Grand Rapids is safer with a total crime rate of 1,121 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Grand Rapids has a violent crime rate of 88.2 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Grand Rapids has lower violent crime.
About Grand Rapids, MN
Grand Rapids, Minnesota, a city of 11,000 in Itasca County, is home to the Forest History Center. Known as the birthplace of Judy Garland, it sits on the Mississippi River, surrounded by lakes and forests. With a safety score of 69/100 and a population coverage of 11,333, Grand Rapids has a total crime rate of 1,120.6 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.