Is Prospect Heights or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Prospect Heights is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 83/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 747 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 64% lower. Prospect Heights has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Prospect Heights has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 91.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Prospect Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Prospect Heights, IL
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Prospect Heights | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 747.3 | 2,082.4 | -1,335.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 158.7 | 412.4 | -253.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 19.8 | 21.4 | -1.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 13.2 | 77.4 | -64.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 125.6 | 310.9 | -185.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 588.6 | 1,670.0 | -1,081.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 125.6 | 187.4 | -61.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 376.9 | 1,087.1 | -710.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 86.0 | 395.5 | -309.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prospect Heights or San Diego safer?
Prospect Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 747 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Prospect Heights has a violent crime rate of 158.7 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Prospect Heights has lower violent crime.
About Prospect Heights, IL
Prospect Heights, Illinois, a small city in Cook County, is home to Chicago Executive Airport, a significant regional general aviation hub. Its tree-lined streets and residential character reflect a suburban community that grew around its convenient transportation access. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 15,122, Prospect Heights has a total crime rate of 747.3 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.