Is Kittery or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kittery is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 65/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,233 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 41% lower. Kittery has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Kittery has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 125.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Kittery — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Kittery, ME
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Kittery | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,232.9 | 2,082.4 | -849.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 54.4 | 412.4 | -358.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 18.1 | 21.4 | -3.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 9.1 | 77.4 | -68.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 27.2 | 310.9 | -283.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,178.5 | 1,670.0 | -491.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 9.1 | 187.4 | -178.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,133.2 | 1,087.1 | +46.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 36.3 | 395.5 | -359.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kittery or San Diego safer?
Kittery is safer with a total crime rate of 1,233 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Kittery has a violent crime rate of 54.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Kittery has lower violent crime.
About Kittery, ME
Kittery, Maine, a coastal town bordering New Hampshire, is home to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, established in 1800. Its population of around 15,000 residents enjoys proximity to both urban amenities and scenic ocean views. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 11,031, Kittery has a total crime rate of 1,232.9 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.