Is Rochester or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rochester is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 66/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,221 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 41% lower. Rochester has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Rochester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 41.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rochester, NH
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Rochester | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,220.8 | 2,082.4 | -861.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 76.9 | 412.4 | -335.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 35.5 | 21.4 | +14.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.8 | 77.4 | -65.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 29.6 | 310.9 | -281.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,143.9 | 1,670.0 | -526.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 59.1 | 187.4 | -128.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 999.1 | 1,087.1 | -88.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 85.7 | 395.5 | -309.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rochester or San Diego safer?
Rochester is safer with a total crime rate of 1,221 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Rochester has a violent crime rate of 76.9 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Rochester has lower violent crime.
About Rochester, NH
Rochester, once a major shoemaking hub, sits along the Cocheco River in Strafford County. This small city in southeastern New Hampshire is home to over 32,000 residents. With a safety score of 66/100 and a population coverage of 33,831, Rochester has a total crime rate of 1,220.8 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.