Cortez Neighborhood, San Diego
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 12% of neighborhoods in San Diego
Safety at a Glance
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in San Diego
Is Cortez Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Cortez in San Diego, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 197, which is 97% above the national average of 100. Cortez is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in San Diego.
Compared to the San Diego average (crime index 102), Cortez is 95% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 196, 96% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 154).
Cortez Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and San Diego city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Assault
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
159 | +59% | High | |
|
Rape
|
178 | +78% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
154 | +54% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
194 | +94% | High | |
How Cortez Compares
Crime index by category: Cortez vs San Diego average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Cortez Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Cortez Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Cortez, San Diego?
Cortez in San Diego, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 197, which is 97% above the national average. Compared to the San Diego average, crime in Cortez is 95% higher. Cortez is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in San Diego.
Is Cortez a safe neighborhood in San Diego?
Cortez is generally considered a safe neighborhood in San Diego, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 196), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 154).
How does Cortez compare to the rest of San Diego?
Cortez's overall crime index is 197, compared to the San Diego average of 102. This means crime in Cortez is 95% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 182, and for property crime it is 176. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Cortez?
The most prevalent crime type in Cortez is Murder, with a crime index of 196 (96% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Cortez?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Little Italy, Gaslamp, Park West and Harborview. These areas are close to Cortez and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Cortez?
Cortez has a population of approximately 2,107. The median household income is $85,987. The median home value is $574,949. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Cortez crime compare to the national average?
Cortez's overall crime rate is 97% above the national average (index 197 vs 100). Within San Diego, it is safer than 12% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.