Is San Diego or St. Louis City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than St. Louis City (Safety Score 38/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 7,076 for St. Louis City — 71% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 95% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 5.0x 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
St. Louis City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
St. Louis City, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | St. Louis City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 7,075.9 | -4,993.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 1,368.9 | -956.6 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 54.1 | -51.6 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 58.1 | -36.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 249.6 | -172.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 1,005.4 | -694.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 5,706.9 | -4,036.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 819.7 | -632.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 3,412.3 | -2,325.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 1,475.0 | -1,079.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or St. Louis City safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 7,076 for St. Louis City — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while St. Louis City has 1,368.9. 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 St. Louis City, MO
St. Louis City, Missouri, a major port on the Mississippi River, is home to the iconic Gateway Arch. With a population exceeding 300,000, it's a vibrant Midwestern hub with a rich German heritage. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 277,294, St. Louis City has a total crime rate of 7,075.9 per 100,000 residents.