Is San Diego or South Lake Tahoe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than South Lake Tahoe (Safety Score 38/100 vs 34/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,266 for South Lake Tahoe — 8% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Lake Tahoe has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 66.1x 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 Lake Tahoe — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | South Lake Tahoe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 2,266.1 | -183.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 804.6 | -392.2 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 61.9 | -40.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 42.9 | +34.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 680.8 | -369.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,461.6 | +208.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 190.4 | -3.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,161.6 | -74.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 109.5 | +286.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or South Lake Tahoe safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,266 for South Lake Tahoe — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while South Lake Tahoe has 804.6. 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 Lake Tahoe, CA
South Lake Tahoe, California, is a resort city on the Sierra Nevada's eastern slope, renowned for its casinos and Heavenly Mountain Resort. Its pristine alpine lake attracts millions of visitors annually. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 21,005, South Lake Tahoe has a total crime rate of 2,266.1 per 100,000 residents.