Is Mendota Heights or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mendota Heights is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 71/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,069 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 49% lower. Mendota Heights has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mendota Heights has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 120.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mendota Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mendota Heights, MN
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mendota Heights | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,069.5 | 2,082.4 | -1,012.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 191.3 | 412.4 | -221.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 52.2 | 21.4 | +30.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 8.7 | 77.4 | -68.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 130.4 | 310.9 | -180.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 878.2 | 1,670.0 | -791.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 156.5 | 187.4 | -30.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 660.8 | 1,087.1 | -426.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.9 | 395.5 | -334.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mendota Heights or San Diego safer?
Mendota Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,069 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mendota Heights has a violent crime rate of 191.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Mendota Heights has lower violent crime.
About Mendota Heights, MN
Mendota Heights, a suburb south of St. Paul, is home to the historic Pilot Knob, a sacred Dakota site. This affluent community, bordered by the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, primarily consists of single-family homes. With a safety score of 71/100 and a population coverage of 11,501, Mendota Heights has a total crime rate of 1,069.5 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.