Is San Diego or South Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Portland is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 59/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,433 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 31% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Portland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 51.6x 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 Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
South Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | South Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 1,433.3 | +649.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 63.1 | +349.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 7.4 | +14.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 18.6 | +58.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 37.1 | +273.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,370.2 | +299.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 81.7 | +105.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,173.4 | -86.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 115.1 | +280.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or South Portland safer?
South Portland is safer with a total crime rate of 1,433 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while South Portland has 63.1. South Portland 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 Portland, ME
South Portland, Maine, a coastal city across the harbor from Portland, is home to Bug Light Park, a popular spot for its picturesque lighthouse. Its population of over 26,000 residents reflects a mix of residential areas and commercial districts. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 26,931, South Portland has a total crime rate of 1,433.3 per 100,000 residents.