Is San Diego or South Miami Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than South Miami (Safety Score 38/100 vs 26/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,610 for South Miami — 20% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 85% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 114.7x 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 Miami — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
South Miami, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | South Miami | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 2,610.3 | -527.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 446.1 | -33.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 16.5 | -14.0 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 16.5 | +4.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 90.9 | -13.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 322.2 | -11.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,164.2 | -494.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 437.8 | -250.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,668.6 | -581.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 57.8 | +337.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or South Miami safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,610 for South Miami — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while South Miami has 446.1. 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 Miami, FL
South Miami, a city incorporated in 1927, is a suburban residential area situated just southwest of downtown Miami. It's home to a diverse population, with a significant portion of its residents being young professionals and families. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 12,106, South Miami has a total crime rate of 2,610.3 per 100,000 residents.