Is San Diego or Washington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, San Diego is safer than Washington (Safety Score 38/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,514 for Washington — 54% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 90% lower rate.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than San Diego, CA?
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Washington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Washington, DC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 4,513.9 | -2,431.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 925.9 | -513.5 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 25.5 | -23.0 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 34.0 | -12.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 438.6 | -361.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 427.8 | -116.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 3,588.0 | -1,918.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 238.0 | -50.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 2,594.5 | -1,507.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 755.6 | -360.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Washington safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,514 for Washington — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Washington has 925.9. 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 Washington, DC
The Washington Metropolitan Area, encompassing the District of Columbia and parts of surrounding states, is the political heart of the United States. Home to federal institutions and national monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, it has a diverse population exceeding 6 million, with a significant proportion of government employees. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 702,250, Washington has a total crime rate of 4,513.9 per 100,000 residents.