Is San Diego or West Melbourne Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Melbourne is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 61/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,351 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 35% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Melbourne has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 46.2x 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
West Melbourne — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
West Melbourne, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | West Melbourne | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 1,350.8 | +731.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 153.0 | +259.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 13.3 | +8.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 23.3 | +54.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 116.5 | +194.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,197.7 | +472.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 59.9 | +127.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,114.6 | -27.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 23.3 | +372.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or West Melbourne safer?
West Melbourne is safer with a total crime rate of 1,351 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while West Melbourne has 153.0. West Melbourne 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 West Melbourne, FL
West Melbourne, Florida, once known for its citrus groves, is a city in Brevard County. It's home to a diverse population, with many residents employed in the tech and aerospace industries. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 30,057, West Melbourne has a total crime rate of 1,350.8 per 100,000 residents.