Is San Diego or South Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than South Houston (Safety Score 38/100 vs 21/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,873 for South Houston — 28% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 60% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 88.5x 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
South Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
South Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | South Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 2,873.3 | -790.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 694.4 | -282.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 6.4 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 89.2 | -67.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 159.3 | -81.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 439.6 | -128.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,178.9 | -508.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 274.0 | -86.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,280.6 | -193.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 624.4 | -228.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or South Houston safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,873 for South Houston — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while South Houston has 694.4. 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 Houston, TX
South Houston, once a separate city, is now a diverse community southeast of downtown Houston. Its history as a distinct municipality shaped its unique identity, and it remains a predominantly residential area. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 15,696, South Houston has a total crime rate of 2,873.3 per 100,000 residents.