Is San Diego or Swampscott Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Swampscott is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 68/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,157 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 44% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Swampscott has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 87.3x 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
Swampscott — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Swampscott, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Swampscott | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 1,156.7 | +925.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 81.7 | +330.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 6.3 | +15.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 6.3 | +71.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 69.2 | +241.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,075.0 | +595.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 119.4 | +68.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 911.6 | +175.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 44.0 | +351.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Swampscott safer?
Swampscott is safer with a total crime rate of 1,157 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Swampscott has 81.7. Swampscott 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 Swampscott, MA
Swampscott, a coastal town north of Boston, boasts a rich history as the birthplace of the modern lobster industry. Its scenic shoreline, with beaches and rocky outcrops, defines much of the affluent community. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 15,907, Swampscott has a total crime rate of 1,156.7 per 100,000 residents.