Is Miami or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Miami (Safety Score 38/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,469 for Miami — 40% lower. Miami has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 59% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 3.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Miami — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Miami, FL
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Miami | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,468.8 | 2,082.4 | +1,386.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 473.7 | 412.4 | +61.4 |
| Murder Rate | 6.1 | 2.5 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 23.5 | 21.4 | +2.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 95.4 | 77.4 | +18.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 348.4 | 310.9 | +37.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,995.1 | 1,670.0 | +1,325.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.3 | 187.4 | +106.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,290.4 | 1,087.1 | +1,203.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 410.3 | 395.5 | +14.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miami or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,469 for Miami — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Miami has a violent crime rate of 473.7 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Miami, FL
Miami, a vibrant South Florida metropolis, thrives as a major port city with a large Cuban-American population. Its unique blend of Caribbean and Latin American influences, evident in its art and music, is shaped by its subtropical climate and coastal location. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 460,392, Miami has a total crime rate of 3,468.8 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.