Is San Diego or Selma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Selma (Safety Score 38/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,092 for Selma — 33% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 79% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 85.2x 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
Selma — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Selma, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Selma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 3,092.2 | -1,009.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 619.7 | -207.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 12.3 | -9.8 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 18.4 | +3.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 30.7 | +46.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 558.3 | -247.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,472.5 | -802.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 552.2 | -364.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,754.7 | -667.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 165.7 | +229.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Selma safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,092 for Selma — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Selma has 619.7. 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 Selma, AL
Selma, Alabama, a city on the Alabama River, is famous for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. This historic city in Dallas County has a predominantly African American population. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 16,299, Selma has a total crime rate of 3,092.2 per 100,000 residents.