Is Newton or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Newton is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 87/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 648 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 69% lower. Newton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Newton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 15.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Newton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Newton, MA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Newton | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 648.3 | 2,082.4 | -1,434.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 48.9 | 412.4 | -363.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 10.0 | 21.4 | -11.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 1.1 | 77.4 | -76.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 37.8 | 310.9 | -273.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 599.3 | 1,670.0 | -1,070.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 63.4 | 187.4 | -124.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 501.5 | 1,087.1 | -585.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 34.5 | 395.5 | -361.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newton or San Diego safer?
Newton is safer with a total crime rate of 648 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Newton has a violent crime rate of 48.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Newton has lower violent crime.
About Newton, MA
Newton, a suburban city in Middlesex County, is home to Boston College. Known for its distinct "villages," it's one of Massachusetts' wealthiest communities. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 89,935, Newton has a total crime rate of 648.3 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.