Is San Diego or Waynesville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Waynesville (Safety Score 38/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,311 for Waynesville — 37% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 86% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 128.5x 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
Waynesville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Waynesville, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Waynesville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 3,310.8 | -1,228.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 499.4 | -87.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 18.5 | -16.0 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 101.7 | -80.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 18.5 | +58.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 360.7 | -49.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,811.4 | -1,141.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 259.0 | -71.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 2,460.0 | -1,372.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 92.5 | +303.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Waynesville safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,311 for Waynesville — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Waynesville has 499.4. 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 Waynesville, NC
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Waynesville is Haywood County's largest town. Historically a resort destination, it maintains a small-town feel with a median age of around 48. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 10,813, Waynesville has a total crime rate of 3,310.8 per 100,000 residents.