Is San Diego or Scarborough Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Scarborough is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 69/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,118 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 46% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Scarborough has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 57.5x 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
Scarborough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Scarborough, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Scarborough | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 1,118.2 | +964.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 62.1 | +350.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 12.4 | +9.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 4.1 | +73.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 45.6 | +265.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,056.0 | +614.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 91.1 | +96.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 865.5 | +221.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 99.4 | +296.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Scarborough safer?
Scarborough is safer with a total crime rate of 1,118 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Scarborough has 62.1. Scarborough 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 Scarborough, ME
Scarborough, Maine, a coastal town with a rich maritime history, is home to a growing population of over 20,000 residents. It features miles of sandy beaches and marshlands, including the popular Pine Point. With a safety score of 69/100 and a population coverage of 24,147, Scarborough has a total crime rate of 1,118.2 per 100,000 residents.