Is Lake Zurich or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake Zurich is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 64/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,272 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 39% lower. Lake Zurich has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lake Zurich has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 70.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lake Zurich — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lake Zurich, IL
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lake Zurich | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,272.3 | 2,082.4 | -810.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 61.1 | 412.4 | -351.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 25.5 | 21.4 | +4.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 77.4 | -77.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 35.6 | 310.9 | -275.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,211.2 | 1,670.0 | -458.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 76.3 | 187.4 | -111.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,084.0 | 1,087.1 | -3.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 50.9 | 395.5 | -344.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Zurich or San Diego safer?
Lake Zurich is safer with a total crime rate of 1,272 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lake Zurich has a violent crime rate of 61.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Lake Zurich has lower violent crime.
About Lake Zurich, IL
Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburban village in southwestern Lake County, boasts a picturesque namesake lake. Settled in the 1830s, the community has grown to over 19,000 residents. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 19,650, Lake Zurich has a total crime rate of 1,272.3 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.