Is Missoula or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Missoula (Safety Score 38/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,226 for Missoula — 51% lower. Missoula has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where San Diego has a 54% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 17.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Missoula — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Missoula, MT
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Missoula | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,226.3 | 2,082.4 | +2,143.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 596.9 | 412.4 | +184.5 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 2.5 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 106.5 | 21.4 | +85.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 45.6 | 77.4 | -31.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 442.3 | 310.9 | +131.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,629.4 | 1,670.0 | +1,959.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 323.2 | 187.4 | +135.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,108.6 | 1,087.1 | +2,021.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 197.7 | 395.5 | -197.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missoula or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,226 for Missoula — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Missoula has a violent crime rate of 596.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Missoula, MT
Missoula, a vibrant university town in western Montana, is nestled in the Rocky Mountains at the confluence of three rivers. Home to the University of Montana, it boasts a youthful population and a strong appreciation for outdoor recreation and arts. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 78,911, Missoula has a total crime rate of 4,226.3 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.