Is Mount Vernon or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mount Vernon is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 62/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,343 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 36% lower. Mount Vernon has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 91% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 98.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mount Vernon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mount Vernon, IL
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mount Vernon | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,343.1 | 2,082.4 | -739.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 254.5 | 412.4 | -157.9 |
| Murder Rate | 28.3 | 2.5 | +25.8 |
| Rape Rate | 99.0 | 21.4 | +77.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.2 | 77.4 | -56.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 99.0 | 310.9 | -212.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,088.7 | 1,670.0 | -581.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 113.1 | 187.4 | -74.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 940.2 | 1,087.1 | -146.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 35.4 | 395.5 | -360.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Vernon or San Diego safer?
Mount Vernon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,343 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mount Vernon has a violent crime rate of 254.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Mount Vernon has lower violent crime.
About Mount Vernon, IL
Mount Vernon, Illinois, named after George Washington's estate, is a city in Jefferson County at the intersection of I-57 and I-64. Historically a railroad town, its economy now includes manufacturing and healthcare, serving a population of around 14,000. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 14,146, Mount Vernon has a total crime rate of 1,343.1 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.