Is Harlingen or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Harlingen (Safety Score 38/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,977 for Harlingen — 30% lower. Harlingen has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Harlingen has a 48% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 19.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Harlingen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Harlingen, TX
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Harlingen | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,976.7 | 2,082.4 | +894.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 257.8 | 412.4 | -154.6 |
| Murder Rate | 1.4 | 2.5 | -1.1 |
| Rape Rate | 15.4 | 21.4 | -6.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 40.6 | 77.4 | -36.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 200.3 | 310.9 | -110.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,718.9 | 1,670.0 | +1,048.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 344.6 | 187.4 | +157.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,066.2 | 1,087.1 | +979.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 308.2 | 395.5 | -87.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harlingen or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,977 for Harlingen — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Harlingen has a violent crime rate of 257.8 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Harlingen has lower violent crime.
About Harlingen, TX
Harlingen, a Rio Grande Valley city, is known for its proximity to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, attracting birdwatchers. Historically, it served as a major railway hub. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 71,388, Harlingen has a total crime rate of 2,976.7 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.