Is Provo or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Provo is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 57/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,477 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 29% lower. Provo has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Provo has a 77% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 12.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Provo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Provo, UT
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Provo | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,477.4 | 2,082.4 | -605.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 206.6 | 412.4 | -205.8 |
| Murder Rate | 1.8 | 2.5 | -0.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.6 | 21.4 | +52.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 17.7 | 77.4 | -59.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 113.5 | 310.9 | -197.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,270.8 | 1,670.0 | -399.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 70.1 | 187.4 | -117.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,134.2 | 1,087.1 | +47.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 66.5 | 395.5 | -329.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Provo or San Diego safer?
Provo is safer with a total crime rate of 1,477 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Provo has a violent crime rate of 206.6 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Provo has lower violent crime.
About Provo, UT
Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Range, Provo, Utah is home to Brigham Young University, a private university of significant cultural influence. Its population is predominantly young and highly educated, reflecting the university's presence. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 112,763, Provo has a total crime rate of 1,477.4 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.