Is Laurel or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Laurel (Safety Score 38/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 5,255 for Laurel — 60% lower. Laurel has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where San Diego has a 66% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 47.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Laurel — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Laurel, MD
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Laurel | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,255.2 | 2,082.4 | +3,172.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 393.7 | 412.4 | -18.7 |
| Murder Rate | 6.9 | 2.5 | +4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 24.0 | 21.4 | +2.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 130.1 | 77.4 | +52.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 232.8 | 310.9 | -78.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,861.5 | 1,670.0 | +3,191.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 198.6 | 187.4 | +11.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,752.3 | 1,087.1 | +2,665.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 910.7 | 395.5 | +515.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laurel or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 5,255 for Laurel — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Laurel has a violent crime rate of 393.7 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Laurel has lower violent crime.
About Laurel, MD
Laurel, Maryland, a diverse city in Prince George's County, sits along the Patuxent River. Historically, it was a mill town, with industries like textiles and paper flourishing in the 19th century. Today, it's a bustling suburban hub with a significant commuter population. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 29,209, Laurel has a total crime rate of 5,255.2 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.