Is San Diego or Santa Fe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Santa Fe (Safety Score 38/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 5,999 for Santa Fe — 65% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where San Diego has a 68% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 15.5x 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 Fe — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Santa Fe, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Santa Fe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 5,998.8 | -3,916.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 842.2 | -429.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 4.5 | -1.9 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 64.7 | -43.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 89.2 | -11.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 683.8 | -372.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 5,156.6 | -3,486.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 973.8 | -786.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 3,380.9 | -2,293.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 802.0 | -406.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Santa Fe safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 5,999 for Santa Fe — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Santa Fe has 842.2. 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 Fe, NM
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the nation's oldest capital city. Its adobe architecture and vibrant arts scene reflect a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, drawing a diverse, often affluent, population. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 89,652, Santa Fe has a total crime rate of 5,998.8 per 100,000 residents.