Is Benicia or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Benicia is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 68/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,164 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 64% lower. Benicia has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Benicia has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 36.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Benicia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Benicia, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Benicia | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,163.8 | 3,194.8 | -2,031.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 133.6 | 606.9 | -473.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 19.1 | 77.3 | -58.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 45.8 | 140.8 | -95.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 68.7 | 386.0 | -317.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,030.3 | 2,587.9 | -1,557.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 202.2 | 427.0 | -224.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 587.6 | 1,523.2 | -935.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 240.4 | 637.6 | -397.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benicia or San Jose safer?
Benicia is safer with a total crime rate of 1,164 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Benicia has a violent crime rate of 133.6 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Benicia has lower violent crime.
About Benicia, CA
Benicia, once California's state capital, is a waterfront city in Solano County, situated on the Carquinez Strait. Its population is diverse, with a notable artist community contributing to its unique character. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 26,207, Benicia has a total crime rate of 1,163.8 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.