Is Hamden or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Hamden (Safety Score 38/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,549 for Hamden — 41% lower. Hamden has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where San Diego has a 46% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 23.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Hamden — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hamden, CT
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hamden | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,548.8 | 2,082.4 | +1,466.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 430.7 | 412.4 | +18.3 |
| Murder Rate | 1.7 | 2.5 | -0.9 |
| Rape Rate | 8.4 | 21.4 | -13.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 55.1 | 77.4 | -22.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 365.6 | 310.9 | +54.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,118.1 | 1,670.0 | +1,448.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 212.0 | 187.4 | +24.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,176.7 | 1,087.1 | +1,089.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 729.5 | 395.5 | +333.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hamden or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,549 for Hamden — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hamden has a violent crime rate of 430.7 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Hamden, CT
Hamden, a vibrant town bordering New Haven, is home to Quinnipiac University. Nestled at the foot of the Sleeping Giant mountain, it boasts a diverse population and a blend of suburban and more rural areas. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 59,908, Hamden has a total crime rate of 3,548.8 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.