San Diego County Crime & Safety

San Diego County, California

Safety Score

20/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2080.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

394.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1686.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

20/100

Higher = safer

State avg 20/100

State Safety Rank

#23

of 58 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in San Diego County, California

San Diego County Safety Performance

San Diego County enjoys a safety score of 96.7, making it safer than the national average. The total crime rate of 2,080.5 per 100,000 is about 13% lower than the national figure of 2,385.5. This high level of safety is a hallmark of the region's major metropolitan area.

San Diego's Standing in California

San Diego's safety score of 96.7 outperforms the state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2,080.5 is also lower than the statewide average of 2,355.2 per 100,000 residents. 37 reporting agencies work together to maintain this standard across the county's coastal and inland communities.

Safety Leader in Southern California

San Diego County is significantly safer than its northern neighbors, Riverside (2,678.5) and San Bernardino (2,604.0). Its total crime rate of 2,080.5 stands as a regional benchmark for safety in a high-population area. This makes it a preferred destination for those seeking a lower-crime environment in Southern California.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

The property crime rate is 1,686.0 per 100,000, well below the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is slightly higher than the national mark at 394.5 compared to 369.8 per 100,000. These statistics show that while person-to-person crime is a factor, property theft is relatively uncommon.

Maintaining Security in San Diego

With property crime rates trending low, residents can focus on preventative measures to maintain this trend. Visible security cameras and well-lit entryways serve as effective deterrents for opportunistic theft. Engaging with local law enforcement across the 37 agencies keeps the community informed and secure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in San Diego County, CA?

San Diego County has a total crime rate of 2080.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (394.5 per 100K) and property crimes (1686.0 per 100K).

Is San Diego County, CA safe?

San Diego County has a safety score of 20/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #23 out of 58 counties in California for safety (1 = safest).

How does San Diego County crime compare to the California average?

What types of crime are most common in San Diego County?

How is crime data measured and reported for San Diego County?

Crime data for San Diego County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is San Diego County safer than the California average?

San Diego County has a safety score of 20/100, which is above the California average of 20/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.