Is San Diego or Waco Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Waco (Safety Score 38/100 vs 27/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,552 for Waco — 18% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 54% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 9.5x 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
Waco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Waco, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Waco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 2,552.1 | -469.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 425.9 | -13.5 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 5.5 | -3.0 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 90.9 | -69.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 57.4 | +20.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 272.1 | +38.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,126.2 | -456.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 294.7 | -107.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,626.4 | -539.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 205.1 | +190.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Waco safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,552 for Waco — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Waco has 425.9. 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 Waco, TX
Waco, Texas, bisected by the Brazos River, is a Central Texas city with a diverse population of around 140,000. Home to Baylor University, it blends academic life with a rich history, including its past as a major cotton producer. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 146,270, Waco has a total crime rate of 2,552.1 per 100,000 residents.