Is Phoenix or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 38/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 33% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 70% lower rate.
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,082.4 | +1,043.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 412.4 | +387.7 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 2.5 | +5.8 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 21.4 | +42.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 77.4 | +104.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 310.9 | +234.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,670.0 | +655.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 187.4 | +129.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,087.1 | +495.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 395.5 | +30.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 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.