Is Medford or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Medford is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 61/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,379 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 34% lower. Medford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Medford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 23.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Medford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Medford, MA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Medford | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,379.2 | 2,082.4 | -703.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 179.5 | 412.4 | -232.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.8 | 21.4 | +0.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 23.5 | 77.4 | -53.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 134.2 | 310.9 | -176.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,199.6 | 1,670.0 | -470.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.2 | 187.4 | -110.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,006.7 | 1,087.1 | -80.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 115.8 | 395.5 | -279.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medford or San Diego safer?
Medford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,379 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Medford has a violent crime rate of 179.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Medford has lower violent crime.
About Medford, MA
Medford, home to Tufts University, is a historic city just north of Boston. Situated along the Mystic River, it's a densely populated community with a rich past, including its shipbuilding heritage. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 59,601, Medford has a total crime rate of 1,379.2 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.