Is Reading or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Reading is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 90/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 572 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 73% lower. Reading has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Reading has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 53.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Reading, MA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Reading | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 572.1 | 2,082.4 | -1,510.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 38.7 | 412.4 | -373.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 15.5 | 21.4 | -5.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 77.4 | -77.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 23.2 | 310.9 | -287.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 533.4 | 1,670.0 | -1,136.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.3 | 187.4 | -110.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 436.8 | 1,087.1 | -650.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 19.3 | 395.5 | -376.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reading or San Diego safer?
Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 572 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Reading has a violent crime rate of 38.7 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Reading has lower violent crime.
About Reading, MA
Reading, a Middlesex County town north of Boston, boasts a rich history, including the Parker Tavern, one of the oldest buildings in the US. With a population exceeding 25,000, it's a commuter-friendly community. With a safety score of 90/100 and a population coverage of 25,871, Reading has a total crime rate of 572.1 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.