Is Mercedes or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Mercedes (Safety Score 38/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,611 for Mercedes — 42% lower. Mercedes has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mercedes has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 82.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mercedes — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mercedes, TX
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mercedes | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,611.0 | 2,082.4 | +1,528.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 402.5 | 412.4 | -9.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 94.7 | 21.4 | +73.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 29.6 | 77.4 | -47.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 278.2 | 310.9 | -32.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,208.4 | 1,670.0 | +1,538.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.6 | 187.4 | -9.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,723.0 | 1,087.1 | +1,635.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 307.8 | 395.5 | -87.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mercedes or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,611 for Mercedes — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mercedes has a violent crime rate of 402.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Mercedes has lower violent crime.
About Mercedes, TX
Mercedes, "Queen City of the Valley," is a small city in Hidalgo County, Texas, near the Mexican border. Founded in 1907 with the arrival of the railroad, its economy has historically relied on agriculture and international trade. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 16,893, Mercedes has a total crime rate of 3,611.0 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.