Is San Diego or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 38/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,728 for Springfield — 44% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 77% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 8.9x 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
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Springfield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 3,728.2 | -1,645.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 892.7 | -480.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 10.9 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 47.0 | -25.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 209.0 | -131.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 624.5 | -313.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,835.5 | -1,165.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 313.8 | -126.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,856.7 | -769.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 665.0 | -269.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Springfield safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,728 for Springfield — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Springfield has 892.7. 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 Springfield, MA
Springfield, Massachusetts, a city on the Connecticut River, is the "City of Firsts," notably home to the invention of basketball. Its diverse population of over 150,000 residents reflects a rich industrial past and a vibrant present as an economic hub. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 155,491, Springfield has a total crime rate of 3,728.2 per 100,000 residents.