Is Atwater or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Atwater is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 21/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,904 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 9% lower. Atwater has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Atwater has a 60% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 29.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Atwater — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Atwater, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Atwater | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,904.1 | 3,194.8 | -290.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 710.4 | 606.9 | +103.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.2 | 2.7 | +3.5 |
| Rape Rate | 56.1 | 77.3 | -21.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 56.1 | 140.8 | -84.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 592.0 | 386.0 | +206.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,193.6 | 2,587.9 | -394.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 271.1 | 427.0 | -155.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,748.0 | 1,523.2 | +224.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 174.5 | 637.6 | -463.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atwater or San Jose safer?
Atwater is safer with a total crime rate of 2,904 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Atwater has a violent crime rate of 710.4 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. San Jose has lower violent crime.
About Atwater, CA
Atwater, in Merced County, is a Central Valley city with roots in agriculture and the former Castle Air Force Base. Its diverse population reflects a blend of rural and suburban influences. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 32,093, Atwater has a total crime rate of 2,904.1 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.