Is San Bernardino or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than San Bernardino (Safety Score 38/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,795 for San Bernardino — 45% lower. San Bernardino has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 77% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 6.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
San Bernardino — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Bernardino, CA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Bernardino | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,794.8 | 2,082.4 | +1,712.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 897.1 | 412.4 | +484.7 |
| Murder Rate | 11.2 | 2.5 | +8.6 |
| Rape Rate | 49.9 | 21.4 | +28.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 241.2 | 77.4 | +163.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 594.8 | 310.9 | +283.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,897.7 | 1,670.0 | +1,227.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 455.2 | 187.4 | +267.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,677.4 | 1,087.1 | +590.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 765.1 | 395.5 | +369.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Bernardino or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,795 for San Bernardino — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Bernardino has a violent crime rate of 897.1 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About San Bernardino, CA
Nestled in the Inland Empire, San Bernardino is a diverse city historically linked to the Santa Fe Railroad. Its population of over 200,000 residents enjoys views of the San Bernardino Mountains. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 224,283, San Bernardino has a total crime rate of 3,794.8 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.