Is Albany or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Albany is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 26/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,631 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 18% lower. Albany has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Albany has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 51.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Albany — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Albany, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Albany | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,631.4 | 3,194.8 | -563.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 138.8 | 606.9 | -468.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 10.7 | 77.3 | -66.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 53.4 | 140.8 | -87.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 74.7 | 386.0 | -311.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,492.7 | 2,587.9 | -95.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 298.9 | 427.0 | -128.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,894.9 | 1,523.2 | +371.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 298.9 | 637.6 | -338.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albany or San Jose safer?
Albany is safer with a total crime rate of 2,631 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Albany has a violent crime rate of 138.8 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Albany has lower violent crime.
About Albany, CA
Albany, California, a small East Bay city, boasts a rich history as home to Golden Gate Fields. Bordered by Berkeley and El Cerrito, its diverse population enjoys a vibrant urban-suburban mix along the San Francisco Bay. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 18,735, Albany has a total crime rate of 2,631.4 per 100,000 residents.
About San Jose, CA
San Jose, the largest city in Northern California, is a diverse Silicon Valley hub with a rich history, once serving as California's first state capital. Located at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay, its population reflects a broad range of ethnicities and income levels. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 956,840, San Jose has a total crime rate of 3,194.8 per 100,000 residents.