Is Princeton or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Princeton is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 69/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,122 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 46% lower. Princeton has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Princeton has a 76% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 52.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Princeton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Princeton, TX
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Princeton | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,122.0 | 2,082.4 | -960.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 277.7 | 412.4 | -134.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.8 | 2.5 | +1.2 |
| Rape Rate | 37.5 | 21.4 | +16.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 18.8 | 77.4 | -58.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 213.9 | 310.9 | -97.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 844.3 | 1,670.0 | -825.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 247.7 | 187.4 | +60.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 544.1 | 1,087.1 | -543.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 52.5 | 395.5 | -343.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Princeton or San Diego safer?
Princeton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,122 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Princeton has a violent crime rate of 277.7 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Princeton has lower violent crime.
About Princeton, TX
Princeton, Texas, a Collin County suburb, was once known as the "Onion Capital of the World." It lies north of Dallas, experiencing rapid population growth. With a safety score of 69/100 and a population coverage of 26,650, Princeton has a total crime rate of 1,122.0 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.