Is San Diego or Yuma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Yuma is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 50/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,674 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 20% lower. San Diego has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Yuma has a 70% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 13.6x 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
Yuma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
Yuma, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | Yuma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 1,673.7 | +408.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 426.5 | -14.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 2.9 | -0.4 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 43.1 | -21.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 23.5 | +53.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 354.0 | -43.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 1,247.2 | +422.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 197.1 | -9.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 888.3 | +198.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 161.8 | +233.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Yuma safer?
Yuma is safer with a total crime rate of 1,674 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while Yuma has 426.5. 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 Yuma, AZ
Yuma, a city in the Sonoran Desert, is known for its extreme heat and as the "Winter Lettuce Capital of the World." Situated near the Colorado River and the Mexican border, it boasts a significant Hispanic population and a history tied to its strategic location. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 101,989, Yuma has a total crime rate of 1,673.7 per 100,000 residents.