Is Carlsbad or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carlsbad is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 49/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,710 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 46% lower. Carlsbad has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Carlsbad has a 75% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 8.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Carlsbad — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carlsbad, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Carlsbad | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,710.3 | 3,194.8 | -1,484.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 199.1 | 606.9 | -407.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.9 | 2.7 | -1.8 |
| Rape Rate | 6.2 | 77.3 | -71.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.5 | 140.8 | -106.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 157.5 | 386.0 | -228.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,511.2 | 2,587.9 | -1,076.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.2 | 427.0 | -190.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,166.1 | 1,523.2 | -357.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 108.8 | 637.6 | -528.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlsbad or San Jose safer?
Carlsbad is safer with a total crime rate of 1,710 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Carlsbad has a violent crime rate of 199.1 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Carlsbad has lower violent crime.
About Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad is a coastal city in northern San Diego County, known for LEGOLAND California, which opened in 1999. Its affluent population enjoys a Mediterranean climate and seven miles of picturesque beaches. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 113,023, Carlsbad has a total crime rate of 1,710.3 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.