Is Maryland Heights or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Maryland Heights is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 56/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,499 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 28% lower. Maryland Heights has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Maryland Heights has a 81% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 50.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Maryland Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Maryland Heights, MO
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Maryland Heights | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,499.0 | 2,082.4 | -583.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 168.2 | 412.4 | -244.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.7 | 2.5 | +1.1 |
| Rape Rate | 40.2 | 21.4 | +18.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.6 | 77.4 | -62.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 109.7 | 310.9 | -201.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,330.9 | 1,670.0 | -339.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 120.7 | 187.4 | -66.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 910.4 | 1,087.1 | -176.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 299.8 | 395.5 | -95.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maryland Heights or San Diego safer?
Maryland Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,499 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Maryland Heights has a violent crime rate of 168.2 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Maryland Heights has lower violent crime.
About Maryland Heights, MO
Maryland Heights, a suburban St. Louis county municipality, is home to Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, a popular recreation area. Located in west St. Louis County, it boasts a diverse population. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 27,351, Maryland Heights has a total crime rate of 1,499.0 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.