Is Idaho Falls or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Idaho Falls is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 54/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,566 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 25% lower. Idaho Falls has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Idaho Falls has a 87% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 20.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Idaho Falls — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Idaho Falls, ID
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Idaho Falls | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,565.9 | 2,082.4 | -516.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 356.5 | 412.4 | -55.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.4 | 2.5 | +1.9 |
| Rape Rate | 71.3 | 21.4 | +49.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 10.2 | 77.4 | -67.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 270.7 | 310.9 | -40.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,209.3 | 1,670.0 | -460.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 308.5 | 187.4 | +121.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 774.2 | 1,087.1 | -312.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 126.6 | 395.5 | -268.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idaho Falls or San Diego safer?
Idaho Falls is safer with a total crime rate of 1,566 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Idaho Falls has a violent crime rate of 356.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Idaho Falls has lower violent crime.
About Idaho Falls, ID
Idaho Falls, a city vital to the Manhattan Project, sits along the Snake River in eastern Idaho. It serves as a regional hub, home to the Idaho National Laboratory and a growing population. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 68,716, Idaho Falls has a total crime rate of 1,565.9 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.