Is San Diego or Torrance Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Torrance (Safety Score 38/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,087 for Torrance — 33% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Torrance has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 10.1x 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
Torrance — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Torrance, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Torrance | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 3,087.0 | -1,004.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 311.2 | +101.2 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 27.0 | -5.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 115.4 | -38.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 168.7 | +142.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,775.8 | -1,105.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 479.2 | -291.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,819.6 | -732.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 477.0 | -81.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Torrance safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,087 for Torrance — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Torrance has 311.2. Torrance 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 Torrance, CA
Torrance, California, a South Bay city, is known for its extensive park system and as the birthplace of the American Honda Motor Company. It spans a significant portion of the Palos Verdes Peninsula's northern side, boasting a diverse population and a strong industrial base. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 136,899, Torrance has a total crime rate of 3,087.0 per 100,000 residents.