Is San Diego or Wichita Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Wichita (Safety Score 38/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,842 for Wichita — 27% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 70% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 3.5x 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
Wichita — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Wichita, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Wichita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 2,841.8 | -759.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 538.8 | -126.5 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 8.3 | -5.8 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 33.1 | -11.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 49.8 | +27.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 447.3 | -136.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,303.0 | -633.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 262.7 | -75.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,791.0 | -703.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 249.3 | +146.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Wichita safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,842 for Wichita — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Wichita has 538.8. 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 Wichita, KS
Wichita, the "Air Capital of the World," is a landlocked city in south-central Kansas. Its population is diverse, with significant Hispanic and Vietnamese communities contributing to its cultural fabric. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 395,486, Wichita has a total crime rate of 2,841.8 per 100,000 residents.