Is Murrieta or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Murrieta is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 69/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,128 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 46% lower. Murrieta has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Murrieta has a 65% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 12.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Murrieta — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Murrieta, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Murrieta | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,128.2 | 2,082.4 | -954.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 184.6 | 412.4 | -227.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.9 | 2.5 | -1.6 |
| Rape Rate | 27.7 | 21.4 | +6.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.8 | 77.4 | -42.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 120.4 | 310.9 | -190.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 943.6 | 1,670.0 | -726.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 134.7 | 187.4 | -52.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 699.2 | 1,087.1 | -387.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 109.7 | 395.5 | -285.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murrieta or San Diego safer?
Murrieta is safer with a total crime rate of 1,128 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Murrieta has a violent crime rate of 184.6 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Murrieta has lower violent crime.
About Murrieta, CA
Murrieta, once a stop on the Butterfield Stage Route, is a suburban city in southwest Riverside County. It sits in a valley, largely populated by families and commuters. With a safety score of 69/100 and a population coverage of 112,125, Murrieta has a total crime rate of 1,128.2 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.