Is Plano or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Plano is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 52/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,620 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 22% lower. Plano has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Plano has a 65% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 4.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Plano — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Plano, TX
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Plano | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,619.8 | 2,082.4 | -462.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 153.4 | 412.4 | -259.0 |
| Murder Rate | 1.0 | 2.5 | -1.5 |
| Rape Rate | 33.3 | 21.4 | +11.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.8 | 77.4 | -50.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 90.6 | 310.9 | -220.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,466.4 | 1,670.0 | -203.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 160.6 | 187.4 | -26.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,163.4 | 1,087.1 | +76.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 142.4 | 395.5 | -253.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plano or San Diego safer?
Plano is safer with a total crime rate of 1,620 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Plano has a violent crime rate of 153.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Plano has lower violent crime.
About Plano, TX
Plano, a large suburb north of Dallas, is home to many corporate headquarters. Once a stop on the Houston and Texas Central Railway, it boasts a median household income significantly higher than the state average, attracting a diverse, educated populace. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 291,463, Plano has a total crime rate of 1,619.8 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.