Is Lakes Area or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lakes Area is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 83/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 761 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 63% lower. Lakes Area has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lakes Area has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 128.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lakes Area — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lakes Area, MN
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lakes Area | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 760.6 | 2,082.4 | -1,321.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 102.0 | 412.4 | -310.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 46.4 | 21.4 | +25.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 77.4 | -77.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 55.7 | 310.9 | -255.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 658.6 | 1,670.0 | -1,011.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 37.1 | 187.4 | -150.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 593.6 | 1,087.1 | -493.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 27.8 | 395.5 | -367.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakes Area or San Diego safer?
Lakes Area is safer with a total crime rate of 761 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lakes Area has a violent crime rate of 102.0 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Lakes Area has lower violent crime.
About Lakes Area, MN
The Lakes Area of Minnesota, known for its abundant freshwater lakes popular with tourists and retirees, is home to Brainerd, a city established during the Northern Pacific Railway's westward expansion. This region, predominantly White, experiences seasonal population shifts. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 10,781, Lakes Area has a total crime rate of 760.6 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.