Is San Diego or South Pasadena Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than South Pasadena (Safety Score 38/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,723 for South Pasadena — 24% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where South Pasadena has a 49% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 55.1x 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 Pasadena — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
South Pasadena, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | South Pasadena | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 2,723.2 | -640.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 210.1 | +202.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 4.0 | -1.4 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 19.8 | +1.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 75.3 | +2.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 111.0 | +200.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,513.1 | -843.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 333.0 | -145.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,890.8 | -803.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 289.4 | +106.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or South Pasadena safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,723 for South Pasadena — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while South Pasadena has 210.1. South Pasadena 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 Pasadena, CA
Nestled in the San Gabriel Valley, South Pasadena is a small, affluent city with tree-lined streets and historic Craftsman homes. It's home to the iconic Rose Parade, drawing a diverse population with a median household income well above the national average. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 25,228, South Pasadena has a total crime rate of 2,723.2 per 100,000 residents.