Is Roswell or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Roswell (Safety Score 38/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,359 for Roswell — 38% lower. Roswell has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 80% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 29.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Roswell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Roswell, NM
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Roswell | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,359.3 | 2,082.4 | +1,276.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 850.5 | 412.4 | +438.2 |
| Murder Rate | 12.9 | 2.5 | +10.3 |
| Rape Rate | 81.4 | 21.4 | +60.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.9 | 77.4 | -34.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 711.3 | 310.9 | +400.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,508.7 | 1,670.0 | +838.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 428.5 | 187.4 | +241.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,883.2 | 1,087.1 | +796.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 197.1 | 395.5 | -198.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roswell or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,359 for Roswell — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Roswell has a violent crime rate of 850.5 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About Roswell, NM
Roswell, a city in southeastern New Mexico, is globally known for the alleged 1947 UFO incident. Its desert climate and relatively remote location contribute to a close-knit community of around 48,000 residents. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 46,677, Roswell has a total crime rate of 3,359.3 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.