Is Lafayette or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Lafayette (Safety Score 38/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,953 for Lafayette — 29% lower. Lafayette has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lafayette has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 45.6x 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, CO
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lafayette | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,953.2 | 2,082.4 | +870.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.7 | 412.4 | -139.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 62.4 | 21.4 | +41.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.7 | 77.4 | -57.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 190.5 | 310.9 | -120.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,680.5 | 1,670.0 | +1,010.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 489.5 | 187.4 | +302.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,951.3 | 1,087.1 | +864.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 239.8 | 395.5 | -155.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lafayette or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,953 for Lafayette — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lafayette has a violent crime rate of 272.7 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Lafayette has lower violent crime.
About Lafayette, CO
Lafayette, Colorado, a former coal mining town, sits in southeastern Boulder County. Its rich history and proximity to Boulder and Denver attract a diverse mix of residents. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 30,442, Lafayette has a total crime rate of 2,953.2 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.