Is New Bedford or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New Bedford is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 49/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,712 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 18% lower. New Bedford has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 63% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 13.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
New Bedford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Bedford, MA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New Bedford | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,712.4 | 2,082.4 | -370.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 353.2 | 412.4 | -59.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 2.5 | +4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 43.9 | 21.4 | +22.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 78.1 | 77.4 | +0.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 224.4 | 310.9 | -86.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,359.1 | 1,670.0 | -310.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 184.4 | 187.4 | -3.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 930.8 | 1,087.1 | -156.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 243.9 | 395.5 | -151.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Bedford or San Diego safer?
New Bedford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,712 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New Bedford has a violent crime rate of 353.2 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. New Bedford has lower violent crime.
About New Bedford, MA
New Bedford, once the whaling capital of the world, is a coastal city in southeastern Massachusetts. Its diverse population includes a significant Portuguese American community, contributing to its vibrant cultural fabric and local economy. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 102,491, New Bedford has a total crime rate of 1,712.4 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.