Is Northampton or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Northampton is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 49/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,717 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 18% lower. Northampton has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Northampton has a 83% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 46.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Northampton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Northampton, MA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Northampton | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,717.2 | 2,082.4 | -365.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 445.1 | 412.4 | +32.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.3 | 2.5 | +0.8 |
| Rape Rate | 63.1 | 21.4 | +41.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 13.3 | 77.4 | -64.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 365.4 | 310.9 | +54.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,272.1 | 1,670.0 | -397.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 162.8 | 187.4 | -24.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,069.5 | 1,087.1 | -17.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 39.9 | 395.5 | -355.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northampton or San Diego safer?
Northampton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,717 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Northampton has a violent crime rate of 445.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Northampton, MA
Nestled in the Pioneer Valley, Northampton, MA, a vibrant college town home to Smith College, boasts a progressive culture and a high proportion of residents with advanced degrees. Its historic downtown is a hub for independent businesses and the arts. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 30,108, Northampton has a total crime rate of 1,717.2 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.