Is San Diego or South Elgin Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Elgin is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 79/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 856 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 59% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Elgin has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 56.9x 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
South Elgin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
South Elgin, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | South Elgin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 855.9 | +1,226.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 188.4 | +224.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 53.2 | -31.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 8.2 | +69.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 127.0 | +184.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 667.5 | +1,002.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 90.1 | +97.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 495.5 | +591.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 81.9 | +313.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or South Elgin safer?
South Elgin is safer with a total crime rate of 856 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while South Elgin has 188.4. South Elgin 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 South Elgin, IL
South Elgin, a village along the Fox River in Kane County, was once home to the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad's main shops. Its population of over 23,000 residents enjoys a mix of suburban development and natural areas. With a safety score of 79/100 and a population coverage of 24,420, South Elgin has a total crime rate of 855.9 per 100,000 residents.