Is San Diego or Somerville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Somerville is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 43/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,920 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 8% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Somerville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 17.0x 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
Somerville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Somerville, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Somerville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 1,920.1 | +162.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 221.4 | +191.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 15.9 | +5.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 24.5 | +52.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 181.0 | +129.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,698.8 | -28.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 289.9 | -102.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,279.3 | -192.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 129.6 | +265.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Somerville safer?
Somerville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,920 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Somerville has 221.4. Somerville 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 Somerville, MA
Somerville, MA, a densely populated city immediately north of Boston, is known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse neighborhoods. Historically home to many working-class immigrants, it's now a hub for young professionals and students. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 81,766, Somerville has a total crime rate of 1,920.1 per 100,000 residents.