Is San Diego or Wilmington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wilmington is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 67/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,177 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 43% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wilmington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 59.0x 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
Wilmington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Wilmington, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 1,177.0 | +905.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 165.7 | +246.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 17.0 | +4.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 0.0 | +77.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 148.7 | +162.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,011.3 | +658.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 93.5 | +93.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 862.6 | +224.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 55.2 | +340.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Wilmington safer?
Wilmington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,177 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Wilmington has 165.7. Wilmington 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 Wilmington, MA
Wilmington, MA is a suburban town in Middlesex County, known for its annual "Fun on the Fourth" celebration. Bordering Andover and Reading, it's home to a diverse population, with many residents commuting to Boston. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 23,535, Wilmington has a total crime rate of 1,177.0 per 100,000 residents.