Is Malden or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Malden is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 57/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,472 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 29% lower. Malden has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Malden has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 21.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Malden — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Malden, MA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Malden | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,471.7 | 2,082.4 | -610.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 292.2 | 412.4 | -120.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 15.1 | 21.4 | -6.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 39.4 | 77.4 | -38.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 237.7 | 310.9 | -73.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,179.5 | 1,670.0 | -490.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 121.1 | 187.4 | -66.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 888.8 | 1,087.1 | -198.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 169.6 | 395.5 | -226.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malden or San Diego safer?
Malden is safer with a total crime rate of 1,472 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Malden has a violent crime rate of 292.2 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Malden has lower violent crime.
About Malden, MA
Malden, a diverse city north of Boston, boasts a rich history as home to the first public high school in the United States. Its dense population and urban feel contribute to a dynamic community with varied socioeconomic backgrounds. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 66,046, Malden has a total crime rate of 1,471.7 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.