Is Laguna Beach or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Laguna Beach is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 70/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,117 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 46% lower. Laguna Beach has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Laguna Beach has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 62.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Laguna Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Laguna Beach, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Laguna Beach | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,116.9 | 2,082.4 | -965.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 167.3 | 412.4 | -245.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 13.6 | 21.4 | -7.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 40.7 | 77.4 | -36.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 113.1 | 310.9 | -197.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 949.6 | 1,670.0 | -720.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 126.6 | 187.4 | -60.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 746.1 | 1,087.1 | -341.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 76.9 | 395.5 | -318.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laguna Beach or San Diego safer?
Laguna Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,117 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Laguna Beach has a violent crime rate of 167.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Laguna Beach has lower violent crime.
About Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Beach, a coastal city in Southern California renowned for its artist community and many art galleries, is nestled among canyons and beaches. Its population of roughly 22,000 residents enjoys a picturesque setting. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 22,115, Laguna Beach has a total crime rate of 1,116.9 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.