Is Hawthorne or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Hawthorne (Safety Score 38/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,193 for Hawthorne — 35% lower. Hawthorne has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 74% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 17.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Hawthorne — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hawthorne, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hawthorne | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,192.5 | 2,082.4 | +1,110.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 727.4 | 412.4 | +315.0 |
| Murder Rate | 9.8 | 2.5 | +7.2 |
| Rape Rate | 37.8 | 21.4 | +16.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 223.3 | 77.4 | +145.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 456.4 | 310.9 | +145.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,465.2 | 1,670.0 | +795.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 291.7 | 187.4 | +104.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,385.1 | 1,087.1 | +298.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 788.4 | 395.5 | +392.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawthorne or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,193 for Hawthorne — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hawthorne has a violent crime rate of 727.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Hawthorne, CA
Hawthorne, California, a city in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, was once home to The Beach Boys. This diverse community, with a significant Hispanic population, spans approximately 6 square miles. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 81,941, Hawthorne has a total crime rate of 3,192.5 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.