Is Norwalk or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norwalk is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 98/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 289 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 86% lower. Norwalk has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norwalk has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 89.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Norwalk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norwalk, IA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norwalk | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 288.7 | 2,082.4 | -1,793.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 109.1 | 412.4 | -303.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 25.7 | 21.4 | +4.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 77.4 | -77.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 83.4 | 310.9 | -227.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 179.6 | 1,670.0 | -1,490.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 0.0 | 187.4 | -187.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 179.6 | 1,087.1 | -907.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 0.0 | 395.5 | -395.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norwalk or San Diego safer?
Norwalk is safer with a total crime rate of 289 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norwalk has a violent crime rate of 109.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Norwalk has lower violent crime.
About Norwalk, IA
Nestled in Polk County, Norwalk is a growing suburban community south of Des Moines. It's home to the annual Norwalk Music Fest, celebrating local talent. The population is predominantly white, with a median age in the mid-30s. With a safety score of 98/100 and a population coverage of 15,588, Norwalk has a total crime rate of 288.7 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.