Is San Diego or Saugus Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Saugus is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 51/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,652 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 21% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Saugus has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 47.6x 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
Saugus — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Saugus, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Saugus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 1,651.8 | +430.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 250.2 | +162.2 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 30.8 | -9.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 6.9 | +70.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 212.5 | +98.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,401.6 | +268.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 96.0 | +91.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,199.5 | -112.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 106.2 | +289.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Saugus safer?
Saugus is safer with a total crime rate of 1,652 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Saugus has 250.2. Saugus 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 Saugus, MA
Saugus, Massachusetts, a town in Essex County, is home to the historic Kowloon Restaurant, a beloved Tiki establishment. Situated just north of Boston, it features a mix of suburban areas and light commercial zones. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 29,180, Saugus has a total crime rate of 1,651.8 per 100,000 residents.