Is Pacific Grove or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pacific Grove is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 72/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,051 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 50% lower. Pacific Grove has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pacific Grove has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 94.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Pacific Grove — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pacific Grove, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pacific Grove | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,051.3 | 2,082.4 | -1,031.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 143.4 | 412.4 | -269.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 20.5 | 21.4 | -0.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 20.5 | 77.4 | -56.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 102.4 | 310.9 | -208.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 907.9 | 1,670.0 | -762.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 88.7 | 187.4 | -98.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 778.2 | 1,087.1 | -308.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 41.0 | 395.5 | -354.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacific Grove or San Diego safer?
Pacific Grove is safer with a total crime rate of 1,051 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pacific Grove has a violent crime rate of 143.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Pacific Grove has lower violent crime.
About Pacific Grove, CA
Pacific Grove, a coastal town in Monterey County, boasts a rich history as a Methodist retreat. Its stunning shoreline and Victorian architecture attract a diverse, affluent population. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 14,649, Pacific Grove has a total crime rate of 1,051.3 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.