Is San Diego or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 38/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 69% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 74% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 6.2x 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
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 6,666.7 | -4,584.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 1,063.0 | -650.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 9.8 | -7.3 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 67.9 | -46.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 184.4 | -107.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 801.0 | -490.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 5,603.6 | -3,933.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 669.7 | -482.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 3,521.3 | -2,434.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 1,412.6 | -1,017.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Tacoma safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. 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 Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, nestled on Commencement Bay, boasts a rich industrial past, once a major port for timber and rail. Today, this diverse city, home to over 200,000 residents, features a vibrant arts scene and stunning views of Mount Rainier. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 223,980, Tacoma has a total crime rate of 6,666.7 per 100,000 residents.