Is Payson or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Payson is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 57/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,490 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 28% lower. Payson has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Payson has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 82.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Payson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Payson, AZ
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Payson | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,490.1 | 2,082.4 | -592.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 267.1 | 412.4 | -145.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 21.4 | -21.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 77.4 | -77.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 261.2 | 310.9 | -49.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,222.9 | 1,670.0 | -447.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 219.7 | 187.4 | +32.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 872.7 | 1,087.1 | -214.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 130.6 | 395.5 | -264.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Payson or San Diego safer?
Payson is safer with a total crime rate of 1,490 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Payson has a violent crime rate of 267.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Payson has lower violent crime.
About Payson, AZ
Payson, Arizona, "Heart of Arizona," is a small town in Gila County, nestled in the Mogollon Rim. Known for its rodeo heritage, it boasts a population of around 16,000, attracting retirees and outdoor enthusiasts. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 16,845, Payson has a total crime rate of 1,490.1 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.