Is Manchester or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Manchester is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 41/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,985 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 5% lower. Manchester has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Manchester has a 31% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 12.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Manchester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Manchester, NH
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Manchester | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,985.0 | 2,082.4 | -97.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 336.9 | 412.4 | -75.5 |
| Murder Rate | 1.7 | 2.5 | -0.8 |
| Rape Rate | 52.0 | 21.4 | +30.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 58.0 | 77.4 | -19.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 224.3 | 310.9 | -86.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,648.1 | 1,670.0 | -21.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 92.7 | 187.4 | -94.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,404.8 | 1,087.1 | +317.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 150.7 | 395.5 | -244.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manchester or San Diego safer?
Manchester is safer with a total crime rate of 1,985 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Manchester has a violent crime rate of 336.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Manchester has lower violent crime.
About Manchester, NH
Manchester, once a mill town powered by the Merrimack River, is New Hampshire's largest city. Its historic Amoskeag Millyard now houses businesses and a university, reflecting a shift towards a service-based economy. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 115,464, Manchester has a total crime rate of 1,985.0 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.