Is San Diego or Westminster Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Westminster (Safety Score 38/100 vs 20/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,938 for Westminster — 29% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where San Diego has a 33% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 15.8x 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
Westminster — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Westminster, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Westminster | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 2,937.8 | -855.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 439.6 | -27.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 3.4 | -0.9 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 29.5 | -8.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 113.6 | -36.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 289.7 | +21.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,498.1 | -828.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 364.7 | -177.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,910.8 | -823.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 222.7 | +172.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Westminster safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,938 for Westminster — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Westminster has 439.6. 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 Westminster, CA
Westminster, in northern Orange County, is known for its thriving Little Saigon, a hub of Vietnamese culture and commerce. This city, home to a significant Vietnamese American population, is centrally located between Los Angeles and San Diego. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 88,026, Westminster has a total crime rate of 2,937.8 per 100,000 residents.