Is Parkersburg or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Parkersburg (Safety Score 38/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,481 for Parkersburg — 40% lower. Parkersburg has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Parkersburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 48.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Parkersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Parkersburg, WV
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Parkersburg | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,480.8 | 2,082.4 | +1,398.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 263.8 | 412.4 | -148.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 65.9 | 21.4 | +44.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 20.8 | 77.4 | -56.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 173.5 | 310.9 | -137.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,217.1 | 1,670.0 | +1,547.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 315.8 | 187.4 | +128.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,720.8 | 1,087.1 | +1,633.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 180.5 | 395.5 | -215.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parkersburg or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,481 for Parkersburg — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Parkersburg has a violent crime rate of 263.8 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Parkersburg has lower violent crime.
About Parkersburg, WV
Parkersburg, a city in Wood County, sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers. Once a key stop on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, it has a dwindling population of just under 30,000 residents. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 28,815, Parkersburg has a total crime rate of 3,480.8 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.