Is San Antonio or Santa Barbara Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Santa Barbara is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 29/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,459 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 53% lower. San Antonio has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Barbara has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 17.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Santa Barbara — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio, TX
Santa Barbara, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Antonio | Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,219.0 | 2,459.3 | +2,759.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 595.3 | 649.5 | -54.2 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 83.7 | 82.8 | +0.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.4 | 74.6 | +33.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 393.7 | 490.9 | -97.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,623.6 | 1,809.7 | +2,813.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 495.6 | 170.3 | +325.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,291.8 | 1,441.3 | +1,850.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 836.3 | 198.2 | +638.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Antonio or Santa Barbara safer?
Santa Barbara is safer with a total crime rate of 2,459 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Antonio has a violent crime rate of 595.3 per 100K while Santa Barbara has 649.5. San Antonio has lower violent crime.
About San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.
About Santa Barbara, CA
Nestled between the Pacific and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara boasts Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and a Mediterranean climate. This affluent coastal city, home to UCSB, attracts tourists and residents alike with its scenic beauty. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 85,758, Santa Barbara has a total crime rate of 2,459.3 per 100,000 residents.