Is San Rafael or Sparks Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sparks is safer than San Rafael (Safety Score 20/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,979 per 100,000 versus 3,015 for San Rafael — 1% lower. San Rafael has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Rafael has a 63% lower rate.
San Rafael — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Sparks — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Rafael, CA
Sparks, NV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Rafael | Sparks | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,015.1 | 2,979.1 | +36.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 559.0 | 395.3 | +163.7 |
| Murder Rate | 1.7 | 4.5 | -2.8 |
| Rape Rate | 50.8 | 83.9 | -33.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 149.1 | 56.0 | +93.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 357.4 | 250.0 | +107.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,456.1 | 2,583.8 | -127.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 264.2 | 301.4 | -37.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,770.1 | 1,964.7 | -194.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 421.8 | 317.7 | +104.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Rafael or Sparks safer?
Sparks is safer with a total crime rate of 2,979 per 100K vs 3,015 for San Rafael — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Rafael has a violent crime rate of 559.0 per 100K while Sparks has 395.3. Sparks has lower violent crime.
About San Rafael, CA
Nestled in Marin County, San Rafael is a Bay Area city with a rich history, home to Mission San Rafael Arcángel, one of California's original missions. Its diverse population of over 60,000 residents reflects a blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 59,037, San Rafael has a total crime rate of 3,015.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Sparks, NV
Sparks, Nevada, a city east of Reno, was once known as "The Crossroads of the West" due to its railroad heritage. With a population exceeding 100,000, it's a significant part of the Truckee Meadows region. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 110,807, Sparks has a total crime rate of 2,979.1 per 100,000 residents.