Is Petersburg or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Petersburg (Safety Score 38/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,933 for Petersburg — 47% lower. Petersburg has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 94% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 41.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Petersburg, VA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Petersburg | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,932.9 | 2,082.4 | +1,850.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,043.6 | 412.4 | +631.2 |
| Murder Rate | 44.7 | 2.5 | +42.2 |
| Rape Rate | 62.6 | 21.4 | +41.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 98.4 | 77.4 | +21.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 837.9 | 310.9 | +526.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,889.3 | 1,670.0 | +1,219.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 286.2 | 187.4 | +98.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,185.6 | 1,087.1 | +1,098.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 417.4 | 395.5 | +21.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Petersburg or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,933 for Petersburg — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Petersburg has a violent crime rate of 1,043.6 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Petersburg, VA
Petersburg, a historic city on the Appomattox River, played a pivotal role in the American Civil War. Its population is predominantly African American, contributing to a rich cultural heritage. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 33,538, Petersburg has a total crime rate of 3,932.9 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.