Is Iowa City or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Iowa City is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 40/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 4% lower. Iowa City has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Iowa City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 18.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Iowa City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Iowa City, IA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Iowa City | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,995.2 | 2,082.4 | -87.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 321.3 | 412.4 | -91.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 54.0 | 21.4 | +32.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.0 | 77.4 | -27.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 217.3 | 310.9 | -93.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,673.8 | 1,670.0 | +3.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 156.7 | 187.4 | -30.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,389.4 | 1,087.1 | +302.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 127.7 | 395.5 | -267.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa City or San Diego safer?
Iowa City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Iowa City has a violent crime rate of 321.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Iowa City has lower violent crime.
About Iowa City, IA
Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa and its renowned Writers' Workshop, sits along the Iowa River. This vibrant Midwestern city in Johnson County boasts a diverse population, including a significant student presence. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 75,934, Iowa City has a total crime rate of 1,995.2 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.