Otay Mesa Neighborhood, San Diego
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safer than 96% of neighborhoods in San Diego
Safety at a Glance
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in San Diego
Is Otay Mesa Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Otay Mesa in San Diego, CA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 21, which is 79% below the national average of 100. Otay Mesa is safer than 96% of neighborhoods in San Diego.
Compared to the San Diego average (crime index 102), Otay Mesa is 81% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than San Diego as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 85, 15% below average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 9).
Otay Mesa 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
|
27 | -73% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
9 | -91% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
65 | -35% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
85 | -15% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
36 | -64% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
55 | -45% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
How Otay Mesa Compares
Crime index by category: Otay Mesa vs San Diego average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Otay Mesa Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Otay Mesa Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Otay Mesa, San Diego?
Otay Mesa in San Diego, CA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 21, which is 79% below the national average. Compared to the San Diego average, crime in Otay Mesa is 81% lower. Otay Mesa is safer than 96% of neighborhoods in San Diego.
Is Otay Mesa a safe neighborhood in San Diego?
Otay Mesa is generally considered a safe neighborhood in San Diego, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 85), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 9).
How does Otay Mesa compare to the rest of San Diego?
Otay Mesa's overall crime index is 21, compared to the San Diego average of 102. This means crime in Otay Mesa is 81% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 47, and for property crime it is 53. 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 Otay Mesa?
The most prevalent crime type in Otay Mesa is Rape, with a crime index of 85 (15% below the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Otay Mesa?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Ocean Crest, Otay Mesa West, Palm City and Nestor. These areas are close to Otay Mesa and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Otay Mesa?
Otay Mesa has a population of approximately 3,654. The median household income is $95,600. The median home value is $675,362. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Otay Mesa crime compare to the national average?
Otay Mesa's overall crime rate is 79% below the national average (index 21 vs 100). Within San Diego, it is safer than 96% 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.