Is Medford or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Medford (Safety Score 38/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,324 for Medford — 52% lower. Medford has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where San Diego has a 56% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 16.4x 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, OR
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Medford | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,323.7 | 2,082.4 | +2,241.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 491.9 | 412.4 | +79.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.5 | 2.5 | +1.0 |
| Rape Rate | 63.7 | 21.4 | +42.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 89.7 | 77.4 | +12.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 335.0 | 310.9 | +24.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,831.7 | 1,670.0 | +2,161.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 290.2 | 187.4 | +102.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,338.6 | 1,087.1 | +2,251.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 202.9 | 395.5 | -192.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medford or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,324 for Medford — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Medford has a violent crime rate of 491.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Medford, OR
Medford, in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, is a regional hub known for its pear orchards and proximity to Crater Lake. The city's population is around 85,000, with a significant retiree community. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 84,766, Medford has a total crime rate of 4,323.7 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.