Is New Bern or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New Bern is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 41/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,979 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 5% lower. New Bern has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 79% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 42.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
New Bern — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Bern, NC
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New Bern | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,978.6 | 2,082.4 | -103.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 362.5 | 412.4 | -49.8 |
| Murder Rate | 12.3 | 2.5 | +9.8 |
| Rape Rate | 33.8 | 21.4 | +12.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 43.0 | 77.4 | -34.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 273.4 | 310.9 | -37.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,616.1 | 1,670.0 | -54.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 273.4 | 187.4 | +86.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,293.5 | 1,087.1 | +206.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 49.2 | 395.5 | -346.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Bern or San Diego safer?
New Bern is safer with a total crime rate of 1,979 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New Bern has a violent crime rate of 362.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. New Bern has lower violent crime.
About New Bern, NC
New Bern, North Carolina, a colonial capital, sits at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. This Craven County seat is home to Tryon Palace and a population of around 30,000. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 32,548, New Bern has a total crime rate of 1,978.6 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.