Is Mattoon or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mattoon is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 48/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,731 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 17% lower. Mattoon has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mattoon has a 84% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 84.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mattoon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mattoon, IL
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mattoon | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,731.1 | 2,082.4 | -351.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 528.4 | 412.4 | +116.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.1 | 2.5 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 194.4 | 21.4 | +173.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 12.2 | 77.4 | -65.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 315.8 | 310.9 | +4.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,202.6 | 1,670.0 | -467.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 321.9 | 187.4 | +134.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 734.9 | 1,087.1 | -352.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 145.8 | 395.5 | -249.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mattoon or San Diego safer?
Mattoon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,731 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mattoon has a violent crime rate of 528.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Mattoon, IL
Mattoon, Illinois, a city in Coles County with a population around 17,000, is known as the "Bagel Capital of the World." This Central Illinois community sits along the former Lincoln Heritage Trail, reflecting its historical connection to Abraham Lincoln. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 16,464, Mattoon has a total crime rate of 1,731.1 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.