Is San Diego or Walnut Creek Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Walnut Creek (Safety Score 38/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,181 for Walnut Creek — 35% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Walnut Creek has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 20.2x 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
Walnut Creek — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Walnut Creek, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Walnut Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 3,181.3 | -1,098.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 283.4 | +129.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 24.7 | -3.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 85.8 | -8.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 170.0 | +140.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,897.9 | -1,227.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 389.5 | -202.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 2,257.0 | -1,169.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 251.4 | +144.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Walnut Creek safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,181 for Walnut Creek — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Walnut Creek has 283.4. Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek, CA
Walnut Creek, a Contra Costa County city, developed around the historic Shadelands Ranch. Situated at the convergence of three highways, it's a bustling suburban hub with a median age of 47. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 68,808, Walnut Creek has a total crime rate of 3,181.3 per 100,000 residents.