Is Hickory or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Hickory (Safety Score 38/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,234 for Hickory — 36% lower. Hickory has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where San Diego has a 41% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 31.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Hickory — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hickory, NC
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hickory | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,234.0 | 2,082.4 | +1,151.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 409.6 | 412.4 | -2.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.2 | 2.5 | -0.3 |
| Rape Rate | 24.6 | 21.4 | +3.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 56.0 | 77.4 | -21.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 324.5 | 310.9 | +13.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,824.4 | 1,670.0 | +1,154.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 409.6 | 187.4 | +222.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,150.8 | 1,087.1 | +1,063.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 264.1 | 395.5 | -131.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hickory or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,234 for Hickory — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hickory has a violent crime rate of 409.6 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Hickory has lower violent crime.
About Hickory, NC
Nestled in the Catawba Valley, Hickory is a city of around 43,000 residents known for its furniture manufacturing heritage. It sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering scenic views and outdoor access. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 44,682, Hickory has a total crime rate of 3,234.0 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.