Is Lafayette or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lafayette is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 61/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,348 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 35% lower. Lafayette has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lafayette has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 55.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lafayette — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lafayette, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lafayette | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,347.6 | 2,082.4 | -734.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 80.2 | 412.4 | -332.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 21.4 | -21.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 40.1 | 77.4 | -37.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 40.1 | 310.9 | -270.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,267.4 | 1,670.0 | -402.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 104.3 | 187.4 | -83.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,102.9 | 1,087.1 | +15.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.2 | 395.5 | -335.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lafayette or San Diego safer?
Lafayette is safer with a total crime rate of 1,348 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lafayette has a violent crime rate of 80.2 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Lafayette has lower violent crime.
About Lafayette, CA
Nestled in the East Bay hills, Lafayette is a suburban community known for its top-rated schools and the annual "Reservoir Run." This affluent town, largely composed of families and commuters, offers a peaceful, tree-lined environment. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 24,934, Lafayette has a total crime rate of 1,347.6 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.