Is Richmond or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 38/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 41% lower. Richmond has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 90% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 6.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond, VA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Richmond | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,516.3 | 2,082.4 | +1,433.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 336.9 | 412.4 | -75.5 |
| Murder Rate | 24.2 | 2.5 | +21.6 |
| Rape Rate | 18.6 | 21.4 | -2.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 94.5 | 77.4 | +17.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 199.7 | 310.9 | -111.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,179.4 | 1,670.0 | +1,509.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 265.3 | 187.4 | +77.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,386.9 | 1,087.1 | +1,299.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 527.2 | 395.5 | +131.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Richmond has a violent crime rate of 336.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Richmond has lower violent crime.
About Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia, a city pivotal during the Civil War, sits along the fall line of the James River. It's a diverse city, home to a vibrant arts scene and a growing population of young professionals. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 231,805, Richmond has a total crime rate of 3,516.3 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.