Is San Antonio or Waterloo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waterloo is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 21/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,921 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 44% lower. San Antonio has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waterloo has a 68% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 22.8x 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
Waterloo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio, TX
Waterloo, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Antonio | Waterloo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,219.0 | 2,920.8 | +2,298.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 595.3 | 476.0 | +119.3 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 4.5 | +3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 83.7 | 39.2 | +44.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.4 | 34.7 | +73.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 393.7 | 397.7 | -3.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,623.6 | 2,444.8 | +2,178.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 495.6 | 586.0 | -90.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,291.8 | 1,658.5 | +1,633.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 836.3 | 200.4 | +635.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Antonio or Waterloo safer?
Waterloo is safer with a total crime rate of 2,921 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Antonio has a violent crime rate of 595.3 per 100K while Waterloo has 476.0. Waterloo 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 Waterloo, IA
Waterloo, Iowa, a city in Black Hawk County, was once a hub for the Illinois Central Railroad. Situated along the Cedar River, its population is diverse, with a notable African American community. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 66,385, Waterloo has a total crime rate of 2,920.8 per 100,000 residents.