Is Oro Valley or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oro Valley is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 66/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,200 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 42% lower. Oro Valley has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Oro Valley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 28.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Oro Valley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Oro Valley, AZ
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Oro Valley | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,199.7 | 2,082.4 | -882.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 51.4 | 412.4 | -361.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 6.2 | 21.4 | -15.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.1 | 77.4 | -75.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 43.1 | 310.9 | -267.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 1,670.0 | -521.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 57.5 | 187.4 | -129.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,049.7 | 1,087.1 | -37.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 41.1 | 395.5 | -354.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oro Valley or San Diego safer?
Oro Valley is safer with a total crime rate of 1,200 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Oro Valley has a violent crime rate of 51.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Oro Valley has lower violent crime.
About Oro Valley, AZ
Oro Valley, a picturesque town north of Tucson, is home to the historic Steam Pump Ranch. Nestled against the Santa Catalina Mountains, its population is notably affluent and well-educated. With a safety score of 66/100 and a population coverage of 48,680, Oro Valley has a total crime rate of 1,199.7 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.