Is Port Townsend or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Port Townsend is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 44/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 10% lower. Port Townsend has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Port Townsend has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 130.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Port Townsend — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Port Townsend, WA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Port Townsend | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,884.3 | 2,082.4 | -198.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 471.1 | 412.4 | +58.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 37.7 | 21.4 | +16.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.3 | 77.4 | -49.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 405.1 | 310.9 | +94.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,413.2 | 1,670.0 | -256.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 169.6 | 187.4 | -17.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,177.7 | 1,087.1 | +90.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 66.0 | 395.5 | -329.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Port Townsend or San Diego safer?
Port Townsend is safer with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 10% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Port Townsend has a violent crime rate of 471.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport on the Olympic Peninsula, is home to many artists and retirees. Its historic downtown, a National Historic Landmark, features well-preserved 19th-century architecture. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 10,614, Port Townsend has a total crime rate of 1,884.3 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.