Is San Diego or Waterloo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Waterloo (Safety Score 38/100 vs 21/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,921 for Waterloo — 29% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waterloo has a 55% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 20.9x 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
Waterloo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Waterloo, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Waterloo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 2,920.8 | -838.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 476.0 | -63.6 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 4.5 | -2.0 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 39.2 | -17.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 34.7 | +42.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 397.7 | -86.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,444.8 | -774.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 586.0 | -398.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,658.5 | -571.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 200.4 | +195.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Waterloo safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,921 for Waterloo — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Waterloo has 476.0. 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 Waterloo, IA
Waterloo, Iowa, a city in Black Hawk County, was once a hub for the Illinois Central Railroad. Situated along the Cedar River, its population is diverse, with a notable African American community. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 66,385, Waterloo has a total crime rate of 2,920.8 per 100,000 residents.