Is Arcata or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Arcata is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 34/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,271 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 29% lower. Arcata has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Arcata has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 50.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Arcata — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Arcata, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Arcata | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,271.4 | 3,194.8 | -923.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 507.7 | 606.9 | -99.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 73.3 | 77.3 | -4.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 120.4 | 140.8 | -20.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 314.0 | 386.0 | -71.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,763.8 | 2,587.9 | -824.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 193.7 | 427.0 | -233.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,423.6 | 1,523.2 | -99.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 146.5 | 637.6 | -491.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arcata or San Jose safer?
Arcata is safer with a total crime rate of 2,271 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Arcata has a violent crime rate of 507.7 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Arcata has lower violent crime.
About Arcata, CA
Arcata, California, a Humboldt Bay city and home to Cal Poly Humboldt, is known for its redwood forests and counter-culture heritage. Its population of around 19,000 residents enjoys a temperate climate and a strong sense of community. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 19,107, Arcata has a total crime rate of 2,271.4 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.