Is Moreno Valley or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Moreno Valley is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 42/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,938 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 7% lower. Moreno Valley has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Moreno Valley has a 34% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 6.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Moreno Valley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Moreno Valley, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Moreno Valley | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,938.4 | 2,082.4 | -144.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.5 | 412.4 | -139.9 |
| Murder Rate | 3.3 | 2.5 | +0.8 |
| Rape Rate | 8.9 | 21.4 | -12.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.2 | 77.4 | +7.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 175.1 | 310.9 | -135.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,665.9 | 1,670.0 | -4.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 234.1 | 187.4 | +46.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,171.9 | 1,087.1 | +84.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.9 | 395.5 | -135.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moreno Valley or San Diego safer?
Moreno Valley is safer with a total crime rate of 1,938 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Moreno Valley has a violent crime rate of 272.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Moreno Valley has lower violent crime.
About Moreno Valley, CA
Nestled in the Inland Empire, Moreno Valley is a diverse city with a significant Hispanic population. It was once home to March Air Force Base, a key training facility during World War II. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 213,581, Moreno Valley has a total crime rate of 1,938.4 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.