Is Portland or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Portland (Safety Score 38/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,746 for Portland — 24% lower. Portland has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 65% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 20.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portland, ME
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Portland | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,745.6 | 2,082.4 | +663.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 266.9 | 412.4 | -145.5 |
| Murder Rate | 7.2 | 2.5 | +4.7 |
| Rape Rate | 41.8 | 21.4 | +20.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.5 | 77.4 | -26.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 167.4 | 310.9 | -143.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,478.7 | 1,670.0 | +808.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 145.7 | 187.4 | -41.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,177.2 | 1,087.1 | +1,090.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 155.8 | 395.5 | -239.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,746 for Portland — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Portland has a violent crime rate of 266.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Portland has lower violent crime.
About Portland, ME
Portland, Maine, a coastal city with a deep maritime history, is the most populous city in the state. Its working waterfront and vibrant arts scene reflect its heritage and modern demographic mix. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 69,310, Portland has a total crime rate of 2,745.6 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.