Is Moorhead or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Moorhead is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 39/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 2,041 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 2% lower. Moorhead has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 71% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 30.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Moorhead — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Moorhead, MN
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Moorhead | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,040.8 | 2,082.4 | -41.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 365.5 | 412.4 | -46.9 |
| Murder Rate | 8.8 | 2.5 | +6.3 |
| Rape Rate | 59.4 | 21.4 | +38.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.4 | 77.4 | -51.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 270.8 | 310.9 | -40.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,675.3 | 1,670.0 | +5.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 288.4 | 187.4 | +101.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,166.8 | 1,087.1 | +79.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 220.2 | 395.5 | -175.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moorhead or San Diego safer?
Moorhead is safer with a total crime rate of 2,041 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Moorhead has a violent crime rate of 365.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Moorhead has lower violent crime.
About Moorhead, MN
Moorhead, Minnesota, a city across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota, is home to Concordia College. Its population of over 44,000 residents reflects a diverse mix of students and families. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 45,424, Moorhead has a total crime rate of 2,040.8 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.