Is Marshalltown or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Marshalltown is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 38/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 2,071 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 1% lower. Marshalltown has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Marshalltown has a 81% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 50.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Marshalltown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Marshalltown, IA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Marshalltown | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,070.6 | 2,082.4 | -11.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 297.4 | 412.4 | -115.0 |
| Murder Rate | 7.3 | 2.5 | +4.7 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 21.4 | +22.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.5 | 77.4 | -62.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 232.1 | 310.9 | -78.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,773.3 | 1,670.0 | +103.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 301.0 | 187.4 | +113.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,367.1 | 1,087.1 | +280.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 105.2 | 395.5 | -290.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marshalltown or San Diego safer?
Marshalltown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,071 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Marshalltown has a violent crime rate of 297.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Marshalltown has lower violent crime.
About Marshalltown, IA
Marshalltown, a central Iowa hub, is known for its diverse population and as the home of Lennox Manufacturing since 1904. This city in Marshall County sits along the Iowa River. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 27,576, Marshalltown has a total crime rate of 2,070.6 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.