Is Oakland or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Oakland (Safety Score 38/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 9,156 for Oakland — 77% lower. Oakland has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where San Diego has a 89% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 3.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Oakland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Oakland, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Oakland | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 9,155.7 | 2,082.4 | +7,073.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,925.3 | 412.4 | +1,513.0 |
| Murder Rate | 18.6 | 2.5 | +16.1 |
| Rape Rate | 68.0 | 21.4 | +46.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 680.4 | 77.4 | +603.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,158.3 | 310.9 | +847.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 7,230.3 | 1,670.0 | +5,560.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 786.8 | 187.4 | +599.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,164.7 | 1,087.1 | +3,077.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 2,278.9 | 395.5 | +1,883.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakland or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 9,156 for Oakland — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Oakland has a violent crime rate of 1,925.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Oakland, CA
Oakland, a diverse East Bay city, boasts a rich history of activism and art, including its vibrant jazz scene. Geographically, it sits on the San Francisco Bay's eastern shore, home to a significant port and varied topography. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 435,042, Oakland has a total crime rate of 9,155.7 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.