Is San Diego or Utica Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Utica (Safety Score 38/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,477 for Utica — 40% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 68% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 22.0x 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
Utica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Utica, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Utica | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 3,477.1 | -1,394.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 527.8 | -115.4 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 7.9 | -5.4 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 38.0 | -16.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 95.1 | -17.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 386.7 | -75.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,949.4 | -1,279.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 294.8 | -107.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 2,508.8 | -1,421.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 145.8 | +249.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Utica safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,477 for Utica — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Utica has 527.8. 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 Utica, NY
Utica, a former industrial hub in the Mohawk Valley, is known for its diverse population and culinary traditions like the Utica riggies. Nestled along the Mohawk River, it serves as a regional center for healthcare and education. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 63,098, Utica has a total crime rate of 3,477.1 per 100,000 residents.