Is Middleton or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Middleton is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 74/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 998 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 52% lower. Middleton has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Middleton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 59.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Middleton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Middleton, WI
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Middleton | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 997.7 | 2,082.4 | -1,084.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 107.1 | 412.4 | -305.3 |
| Murder Rate | 8.6 | 2.5 | +6.0 |
| Rape Rate | 12.9 | 21.4 | -8.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 77.4 | -77.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 85.6 | 310.9 | -225.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 890.7 | 1,670.0 | -779.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 38.5 | 187.4 | -148.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 813.6 | 1,087.1 | -273.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 38.5 | 395.5 | -357.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middleton or San Diego safer?
Middleton is safer with a total crime rate of 998 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Middleton has a violent crime rate of 107.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Middleton has lower violent crime.
About Middleton, WI
Middleton, Wisconsin, a suburb of Madison, boasts a strong economy and a highly educated population. Known as "The Good Neighbor City," it sits on the western shores of Lake Mendota. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 23,353, Middleton has a total crime rate of 997.7 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.