Is Lancaster or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Lancaster (Safety Score 38/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,537 for Lancaster — 41% lower. Lancaster has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 83% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 34.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lancaster — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lancaster, TX
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lancaster | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,537.0 | 2,082.4 | +1,454.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 410.0 | 412.4 | -2.4 |
| Murder Rate | 14.8 | 2.5 | +12.3 |
| Rape Rate | 39.5 | 21.4 | +18.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 69.2 | 77.4 | -8.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 286.5 | 310.9 | -24.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,127.0 | 1,670.0 | +1,457.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 871.9 | 187.4 | +684.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,721.6 | 1,087.1 | +634.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 533.5 | 395.5 | +138.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lancaster or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,537 for Lancaster — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 410.0 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Lancaster has lower violent crime.
About Lancaster, TX
Lancaster, Texas, a southern Dallas County suburb, was founded in 1852. It's known for its historic town square and as a significant agricultural center, particularly for cotton, during the 19th and early 20th centuries. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 40,486, Lancaster has a total crime rate of 3,537.0 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.