Is North Reading or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Reading is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 93/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 472 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 77% lower. North Reading has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Reading has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 84.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
North Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Reading, MA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Reading | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 471.8 | 2,082.4 | -1,610.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 66.5 | 412.4 | -345.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 6.1 | 21.4 | -15.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.1 | 77.4 | -71.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 54.4 | 310.9 | -256.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 405.3 | 1,670.0 | -1,264.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 48.4 | 187.4 | -139.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 338.8 | 1,087.1 | -748.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 18.2 | 395.5 | -377.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Reading or San Diego safer?
North Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 472 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Reading has a violent crime rate of 66.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. North Reading has lower violent crime.
About North Reading, MA
North Reading, a Middlesex County town, is largely residential, with its center near the Ipswich River. Incorporated in 1853, it retains a semi-rural character, despite its proximity to Boston. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 16,531, North Reading has a total crime rate of 471.8 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.