Is Brea or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brea is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 18/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 3,076 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 4% lower. Brea has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Brea has a 65% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 19.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brea — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brea, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brea | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,075.6 | 3,194.8 | -119.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 210.6 | 606.9 | -396.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.0 | 2.7 | -0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 12.3 | 77.3 | -65.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 92.0 | 140.8 | -48.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 104.3 | 386.0 | -281.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,865.0 | 2,587.9 | +277.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 269.9 | 427.0 | -157.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,439.6 | 1,523.2 | +916.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 155.4 | 637.6 | -482.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brea or San Jose safer?
Brea is safer with a total crime rate of 3,076 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brea has a violent crime rate of 210.6 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Brea has lower violent crime.
About Brea, CA
Brea, California, once known for its oil fields, is a suburban city in northern Orange County. It features a vibrant downtown area and is home to a diverse population of around 47,000 residents. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 48,901, Brea has a total crime rate of 3,075.6 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.