Is San Diego or Williston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Williston (Safety Score 38/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,667 for Williston — 55% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Williston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 137.9x 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
Williston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Williston, VT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Williston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 4,666.9 | -2,584.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 109.2 | +303.2 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 19.9 | +1.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 19.9 | +57.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 69.5 | +241.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 4,557.6 | -2,887.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 79.4 | +108.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 4,378.9 | -3,291.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 99.3 | +296.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Williston safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,667 for Williston — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Williston has 109.2. Williston 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 Williston, VT
Williston, Vermont, a town in Chittenden County, is known for its rural charm and proximity to Burlington. It was historically home to the Vermont State Hospital, though that facility has since closed. The town encompasses both suburban developments and agricultural lands. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 10,071, Williston has a total crime rate of 4,666.9 per 100,000 residents.