Is San Diego or Santa Barbara Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Santa Barbara (Safety Score 38/100 vs 29/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,459 for Santa Barbara — 15% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Barbara has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 16.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Santa Barbara — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Santa Barbara, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 2,459.3 | -376.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 649.5 | -237.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 82.8 | -61.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 74.6 | +2.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 490.9 | -180.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,809.7 | -139.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 170.3 | +17.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,441.3 | -354.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 198.2 | +197.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Santa Barbara safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,459 for Santa Barbara — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Santa Barbara has 649.5. San Diego 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 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.