Is Saco or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Saco is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 68/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,159 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 44% lower. Saco has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Saco has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 65.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Saco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Saco, ME
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Saco | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,158.7 | 2,082.4 | -923.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 80.4 | 412.4 | -332.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 37.8 | 21.4 | +16.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 77.4 | -77.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 42.6 | 310.9 | -268.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,078.3 | 1,670.0 | -591.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 85.1 | 187.4 | -102.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 893.9 | 1,087.1 | -193.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 99.3 | 395.5 | -296.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saco or San Diego safer?
Saco is safer with a total crime rate of 1,159 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Saco has a violent crime rate of 80.4 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Saco has lower violent crime.
About Saco, ME
Saco, Maine, a small city in York County, sits on the Saco River across from Biddeford. Known for its historic textile mills, the area experiences a significant tourist influx during summer months, drawn to attractions like Funtown Splashtown USA. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 21,144, Saco has a total crime rate of 1,158.7 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.