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San Diego County, CA Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 1220 people in San Diego.

  • San Diego's violent crime rate is lower than the national average. It stands at 0.81 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • San Diego's property crime rate is lower than the national average. It is recorded at 3.94 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    by | Jun 23, 2024

    Understanding the safety of a community is of utmost importance, whether you are considering relocation, permanent or temporary residence, work, or even just a visit. Here, we will delve deep into the crime data of San Diego, shedding light on the county’s crime rate and providing valuable insights to assist you in making informed decisions.

     

    San Diego, like any other county in California, experiences various types of criminal activities. In order to gain a better understanding of the city’s crime landscape, it is helpful to categorize the offenses into three main categories: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in San Diego, CA. This information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is San Diego Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    ViolentPropertyOther
    Total Number2,70313,0228,606
    Rate per 10000.823.952.61

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 47 different types of crimes recorded in San Diego county. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    San Diego’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    San Diego has a lower violent crime rate compared to both California and the national average. In San Diego, the rate of violent crimes is 0.81 incidents per 1000 residents, while in California it is 60.57 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: San Diego vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rates in San Diego compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in San Diego in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    San Diego County’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number311082,014404146
    Rate per 10000.010.030.610.120.04
    Population3,298,635

     

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number23,195145,750939,092207,61636,890
    Rate per 10000.070.442.830.630.11
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in San Diego

    • San Diego’s murder crime rate is 0.01, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.07 by 86%.
    • On the other hand, the rape crime rate is 0.03, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.44 by 93%.
    • The assault crime rate of the county stands at 0.61, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.83 by 78%.
    • Robbery is not a significant concern in San Diego, with a crime rate of 0.12, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.63 by 81%.
    • The county’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.04, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.11 by 64%.

     

    San Diego’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    San Diego has a lower property crime rate compared to both California and the national average. In San Diego, the rate of property crimes is 3.94 incidents per 1000 residents, while in California it is 24.17 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: San Diego vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in San Diego compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    San Diego’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number1,664562,517405,8421,925978
    Rate per 10000.50.020.760.011.770.580.3
    Population3,298,635

     

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number898,48727,9171,307,22912,2704,630,773888,618187,853
    Rate per 10002.720.083.940.0413.952.680.87
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in San Diego

    • San Diego experiences a burglary crime rate of 0.5, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 82%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.02, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.08 by 75%.
    • Vandalism is not a significant concern in San Diego, with a crime rate of 0.76, which is lower than the national average of 3.94 by 81%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.01, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.04 by 75%.
    • Theft is not an area of focus, with a crime rate of 1.77 in San Diego, which is significantly lower than the national average of 13.95 by 87%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the city has a rate of 0.58, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.68 by 78%.
    • San Diego faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.3, which is 66% lower than the national average of 0.87.

     

    San Diego’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number7,4121,06710320
    Rate per 10002.250.320.030.01
    Population3,298,635

     

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number1,290,858267,95511,56516,497
    Rate per 10003.890.810.040.05
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Other Crimes in San Diego

    • Drug offenses are not a concern in San Diego, with a rate of 2.25, which is lower than the national average of 3.89 by 42%.
    • Weapon law violations are another area of focus. The city’s weapon law violations rate is 0.32, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.81 by 60%.

     

    Conclusion

    San Diego County’s overall crime landscape is manageable, with violent, property, and other crimes below the national average, indicating the county’s safety.

     

    Explore cities like Aspen, CO, which have a similar violent crime rate to San Diego. Also, explore places with a similar property crime rate like Limon, CO.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.