Is Radford or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Radford is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 70/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,115 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 46% lower. Radford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Radford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 79.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Radford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Radford, VA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Radford | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,115.0 | 2,082.4 | -967.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 212.7 | 412.4 | -199.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 57.5 | 21.4 | +36.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.5 | 77.4 | -65.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 143.7 | 310.9 | -167.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 902.4 | 1,670.0 | -767.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 97.7 | 187.4 | -89.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 798.9 | 1,087.1 | -288.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 5.8 | 395.5 | -389.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Radford or San Diego safer?
Radford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,115 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Radford has a violent crime rate of 212.7 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Radford has lower violent crime.
About Radford, VA
Radford, home to Radford University, is a city in the New River Valley. Its population is around 18,000, with a significant student presence. The city was once a major railway center. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 17,399, Radford has a total crime rate of 1,115.0 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.