Is Portsmouth or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portsmouth is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 57/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,476 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 29% lower. Portsmouth has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Portsmouth has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 60.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Portsmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portsmouth, NH
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Portsmouth | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,475.9 | 2,082.4 | -606.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 191.6 | 412.4 | -220.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 39.2 | 21.4 | +17.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 8.7 | 77.4 | -68.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 139.3 | 310.9 | -171.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,284.3 | 1,670.0 | -385.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 30.5 | 187.4 | -156.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,153.7 | 1,087.1 | +66.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 100.1 | 395.5 | -295.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portsmouth or San Diego safer?
Portsmouth is safer with a total crime rate of 1,476 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Portsmouth has a violent crime rate of 191.6 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Portsmouth has lower violent crime.
About Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth, a historic port city on the Piscataqua River, boasts a vibrant arts scene and charming 17th-century architecture. Its compact downtown, home to many independent businesses, makes it a walkable destination. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 22,969, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 1,475.9 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.