Is Auburn or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Auburn is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 72/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,043 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 67% lower. Auburn has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Auburn has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 70.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Auburn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Auburn, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Auburn | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,042.7 | 3,194.8 | -2,152.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 381.9 | 606.9 | -225.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 36.7 | 77.3 | -40.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.0 | 140.8 | -118.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 323.1 | 386.0 | -62.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 660.9 | 2,587.9 | -1,927.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 88.1 | 427.0 | -338.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 470.0 | 1,523.2 | -1,053.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 102.8 | 637.6 | -534.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn or San Jose safer?
Auburn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,043 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Auburn has a violent crime rate of 381.9 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Auburn has lower violent crime.
About Auburn, CA
Auburn, California, once a Gold Rush boomtown, sits at the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. This small city in Placer County is known for its historic downtown and outdoor recreation. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 13,618, Auburn has a total crime rate of 1,042.7 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.