Is San Diego or Wells Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wells is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 81/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 807 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 61% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wells has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 115.5x 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
Wells — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Wells, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Wells | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 806.5 | +1,275.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 83.2 | +329.2 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 33.3 | -11.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 0.0 | +77.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 49.9 | +261.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 723.4 | +946.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 33.3 | +154.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 631.9 | +455.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 58.2 | +337.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Wells safer?
Wells is safer with a total crime rate of 807 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Wells has 83.2. Wells 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 Wells, ME
Wells, Maine, a coastal town incorporated in 1653, boasts miles of sandy beaches and a significant seasonal population increase. Its economy relies heavily on tourism and fishing. With a safety score of 81/100 and a population coverage of 12,027, Wells has a total crime rate of 806.5 per 100,000 residents.