Is Lakewood or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lakewood is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 63/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,283 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 38% lower. Lakewood has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lakewood has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 28.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lakewood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lakewood, OH
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lakewood | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,282.7 | 2,082.4 | -799.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 142.1 | 412.4 | -270.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 14.2 | 21.4 | -7.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.2 | 77.4 | -61.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 111.6 | 310.9 | -199.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,140.6 | 1,670.0 | -529.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 109.6 | 187.4 | -77.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 895.0 | 1,087.1 | -192.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 136.0 | 395.5 | -259.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakewood or San Diego safer?
Lakewood is safer with a total crime rate of 1,283 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lakewood has a violent crime rate of 142.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Lakewood has lower violent crime.
About Lakewood, OH
Lakewood, Ohio, a densely populated suburb west of Cleveland, is known for its historic housing stock, including many turn-of-the-century homes. Its narrow, tree-lined streets lead to Lake Erie on its northern border. With a safety score of 63/100 and a population coverage of 49,272, Lakewood has a total crime rate of 1,282.7 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.