Is Berkeley or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Jose is safer than Berkeley (Safety Score 16/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100,000 versus 5,869 for Berkeley — 46% lower. Berkeley has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 54% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 8.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Berkeley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Berkeley, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Berkeley | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,868.8 | 3,194.8 | +2,674.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 639.7 | 606.9 | +32.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.0 | 2.7 | +3.2 |
| Rape Rate | 46.0 | 77.3 | -31.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 186.5 | 140.8 | +45.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 400.3 | 386.0 | +14.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,229.1 | 2,587.9 | +2,641.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 661.0 | 427.0 | +234.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,655.9 | 1,523.2 | +2,132.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 912.3 | 637.6 | +274.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkeley or San Jose safer?
San Jose is safer with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100K vs 5,869 for Berkeley — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Berkeley has a violent crime rate of 639.7 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. San Jose has lower violent crime.
About Berkeley, CA
Berkeley, California, home to a world-renowned university and the Free Speech Movement, sits on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. This diverse city's population is highly educated, with a significant proportion holding graduate degrees. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 117,400, Berkeley has a total crime rate of 5,868.8 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.