Is San Diego or Tampa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Tampa is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 43/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 8% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 71% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 3.4x 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
Tampa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Tampa, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Tampa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 1,912.7 | +169.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 447.3 | -35.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 8.8 | -6.3 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 41.9 | -20.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 59.0 | +18.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 335.0 | -24.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,465.3 | +204.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 167.4 | +20.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,154.5 | -67.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 143.4 | +252.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Tampa safer?
Tampa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Tampa has 447.3. 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 Tampa, FL
Tampa, a Gulf Coast city, boasts a rich Cuban heritage from its cigar industry days. It's a diverse port city situated on Tampa Bay, with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 408,646, Tampa has a total crime rate of 1,912.7 per 100,000 residents.