Is Modesto or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Modesto is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 18/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,070 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 41% lower. Modesto has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Modesto has a 62% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 6.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Modesto — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Modesto, CA
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Modesto | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,070.5 | 5,219.0 | -2,148.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 655.7 | 595.3 | +60.4 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 8.4 | -5.2 |
| Rape Rate | 56.2 | 83.7 | -27.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 113.3 | 108.4 | +4.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 483.1 | 393.7 | +89.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,414.7 | 4,623.6 | -2,208.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 267.1 | 495.6 | -228.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,818.8 | 3,291.8 | -1,473.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 328.8 | 836.3 | -507.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Modesto or San Antonio safer?
Modesto is safer with a total crime rate of 3,070 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Modesto has a violent crime rate of 655.7 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. San Antonio has lower violent crime.
About Modesto, CA
Modesto, seat of Stanislaus County, is known for its agricultural roots and as the birthplace of filmmaker George Lucas. Situated in California's Central Valley, it's a diverse city with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 218,990, Modesto has a total crime rate of 3,070.5 per 100,000 residents.
About San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.