Is San Diego or South Gate Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than South Gate (Safety Score 38/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,125 for South Gate — 50% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where San Diego has a 68% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 15.6x 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
South Gate — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
South Gate, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | South Gate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 4,124.5 | -2,042.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 525.7 | -113.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 4.5 | -2.0 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 29.1 | -7.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 241.0 | -163.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 251.1 | +59.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 3,598.9 | -1,928.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 288.0 | -100.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 2,335.7 | -1,248.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 975.1 | -579.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or South Gate safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,125 for South Gate — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while South Gate has 525.7. 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 South Gate, CA
South Gate, California, a city in southeast Los Angeles County, was once known as the "Furniture Capital of the West." Its diverse population of over 90,000 residents contributes to a vibrant community fabric. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 89,223, South Gate has a total crime rate of 4,124.5 per 100,000 residents.