Is San Diego or Yelm Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than Yelm (Safety Score 38/100 vs 36/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 2,153 for Yelm — 3% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Yelm has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 128.4x 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
Yelm — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Yelm, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Yelm | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 2,153.4 | -71.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 277.3 | +135.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 0.0 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 64.7 | -43.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 27.7 | +49.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 184.8 | +126.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,876.2 | -206.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 286.5 | -99.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,478.7 | -391.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 110.9 | +284.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Yelm safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 2,153 for Yelm — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Yelm has 277.3. Yelm 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 Yelm, WA
Yelm, a small city in Thurston County, is known for its rural character and views of Mount Rainier. Historically a logging and agricultural hub, it has seen a recent population increase, drawing new residents to its quiet, forested surroundings. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 10,820, Yelm has a total crime rate of 2,153.4 per 100,000 residents.