Is San Diego or Winston-Salem Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Winston-Salem (Safety Score 38/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,731 for Winston-Salem — 44% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 78% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 5.5x 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
Winston-Salem — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Winston-Salem, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Winston-Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 3,731.3 | -1,648.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 810.1 | -397.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 11.4 | -8.9 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 46.1 | -24.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 97.2 | -19.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 655.0 | -344.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,921.2 | -1,251.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 570.0 | -382.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,996.9 | -909.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 354.3 | +41.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Winston-Salem safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,731 for Winston-Salem — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Winston-Salem has 810.1. 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 Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem, NC, a city born from the tobacco and textile industries, is nestled in the Piedmont Triad. Home to Wake Forest University, its population is diverse, reflecting a blend of old Southern charm and modern influences. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 254,041, Winston-Salem has a total crime rate of 3,731.3 per 100,000 residents.