Is Orange or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Orange is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 56/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,515 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 27% lower. Orange has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Orange has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 10.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Orange — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Orange, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Orange | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,514.8 | 2,082.4 | -567.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 226.9 | 412.4 | -185.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 12.3 | 21.4 | -9.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 76.8 | 77.4 | -0.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 137.0 | 310.9 | -174.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,288.0 | 1,670.0 | -382.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 357.3 | 187.4 | +169.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 703.1 | 1,087.1 | -384.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 227.6 | 395.5 | -167.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orange or San Diego safer?
Orange is safer with a total crime rate of 1,515 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Orange has a violent crime rate of 226.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Orange has lower violent crime.
About Orange, CA
Orange, California, a city in Orange County, is home to Chapman University and boasts a historic Old Town Plaza. Positioned in Southern California, it features a diverse suburban population. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 137,970, Orange has a total crime rate of 1,514.8 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.