Is Lancaster or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lancaster is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 43/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,914 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 8% lower. Lancaster has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lancaster has a 64% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 24.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lancaster — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lancaster, PA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lancaster | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,914.2 | 2,082.4 | -168.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 462.3 | 412.4 | +49.9 |
| Murder Rate | 3.5 | 2.5 | +1.0 |
| Rape Rate | 31.6 | 21.4 | +10.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.1 | 77.4 | -49.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 397.3 | 310.9 | +86.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,451.9 | 1,670.0 | -218.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 107.2 | 187.4 | -80.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,181.2 | 1,087.1 | +94.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 163.5 | 395.5 | -232.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lancaster or San Diego safer?
Lancaster is safer with a total crime rate of 1,914 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 462.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA, known as the Red Rose City, is a historic city in south-central Pennsylvania. Its diverse population of nearly 60,000 residents includes a significant Amish presence, contributing to its unique cultural landscape. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 56,890, Lancaster has a total crime rate of 1,914.2 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.