Is Bakersfield or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bakersfield is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 19/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 3,026 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 5% lower. Bakersfield has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 60% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 2.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bakersfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bakersfield, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bakersfield | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,026.1 | 3,194.8 | -168.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 556.3 | 606.9 | -50.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.7 | 2.7 | +4.0 |
| Rape Rate | 40.9 | 77.3 | -36.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 125.7 | 140.8 | -15.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 381.4 | 386.0 | -4.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,469.7 | 2,587.9 | -118.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 537.6 | 427.0 | +110.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,259.0 | 1,523.2 | -264.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 673.1 | 637.6 | +35.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bakersfield or San Jose safer?
Bakersfield is safer with a total crime rate of 3,026 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bakersfield has a violent crime rate of 556.3 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Bakersfield has lower violent crime.
About Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield, a city in California's Central Valley, is known for its country music heritage, the "Bakersfield Sound." It is a major agricultural and oil-producing region, with a diverse population of over 400,000 residents. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 416,120, Bakersfield has a total crime rate of 3,026.1 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.