Is Pacifica or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pacifica is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 58/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,451 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 30% lower. Pacifica has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pacifica has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 38.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Pacifica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pacifica, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pacifica | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,451.4 | 2,082.4 | -631.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 145.4 | 412.4 | -267.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 30.8 | 21.4 | +9.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 8.4 | 77.4 | -69.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 106.3 | 310.9 | -204.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,306.0 | 1,670.0 | -364.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 42.0 | 187.4 | -145.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,143.8 | 1,087.1 | +56.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 120.3 | 395.5 | -275.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacifica or San Diego safer?
Pacifica is safer with a total crime rate of 1,451 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pacifica has a violent crime rate of 145.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Pacifica has lower violent crime.
About Pacifica, CA
Pacifica, a coastal city south of San Francisco, is known for its beautiful beaches and foggy climate. It's home to the world's first Taco Bell, a testament to its suburban development. The city's population is diverse, with a significant Asian American community. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 35,759, Pacifica has a total crime rate of 1,451.4 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.