Is Madison or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Madison is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 95/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 421 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 80% lower. Madison has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Madison has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 83.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, NJ
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 420.6 | 2,082.4 | -1,661.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 12.0 | 412.4 | -400.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 21.4 | -21.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.0 | 77.4 | -71.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 6.0 | 310.9 | -304.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 408.6 | 1,670.0 | -1,261.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 6.0 | 187.4 | -181.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 396.6 | 1,087.1 | -690.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 6.0 | 395.5 | -389.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or San Diego safer?
Madison is safer with a total crime rate of 421 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 80% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 12.0 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Madison has lower violent crime.
About Madison, NJ
Madison, a borough in Morris County, is home to Drew University and its arboretum. This affluent community, with a median household income significantly above the state average, retains a charming downtown. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 16,643, Madison has a total crime rate of 420.6 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.