Is San Diego or San Juan Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Juan is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 54/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,578 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 24% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 69% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 37.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Juan — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
San Juan, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | San Juan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 1,578.0 | +504.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 160.2 | +252.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 8.2 | -5.6 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 0.0 | +21.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 29.9 | +47.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 116.8 | +194.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,417.8 | +252.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 228.1 | -40.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,108.1 | -21.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 81.5 | +314.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or San Juan safer?
San Juan is safer with a total crime rate of 1,578 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while San Juan has 160.2. San Juan has lower violent crime.
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.
About San Juan, TX
San Juan, Texas, part of the Rio Grande Valley, has a rich Hispanic heritage, evident in its vibrant community and local businesses. This South Texas city is situated near the U.S.-Mexico border and is home to a growing population. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 36,819, San Juan has a total crime rate of 1,578.0 per 100,000 residents.