Is Plainfield or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Plainfield is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 40/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 2,021 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 3% lower. Plainfield has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Plainfield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 24.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Plainfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Plainfield, NJ
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Plainfield | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,020.5 | 2,082.4 | -61.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 410.9 | 412.4 | -1.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 14.3 | 21.4 | -7.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 103.6 | 77.4 | +26.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 293.0 | 310.9 | -18.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,609.7 | 1,670.0 | -60.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 135.8 | 187.4 | -51.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,345.2 | 1,087.1 | +258.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 128.6 | 395.5 | -266.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plainfield or San Diego safer?
Plainfield is safer with a total crime rate of 2,021 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Plainfield has a violent crime rate of 410.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Plainfield has lower violent crime.
About Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield, "The Queen City," boasts a rich Victorian architectural heritage and a diverse population. Situated in Union County, it was once a popular resort town for wealthy New Yorkers. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 55,975, Plainfield has a total crime rate of 2,020.5 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.