Is Clayton or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Clayton is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 89/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 591 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 81% lower. Clayton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Clayton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 89.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Clayton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Clayton, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Clayton | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 591.3 | 3,194.8 | -2,603.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 84.5 | 606.9 | -522.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 9.4 | 77.3 | -68.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 18.8 | 140.8 | -122.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 56.3 | 386.0 | -329.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 506.8 | 2,587.9 | -2,081.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 93.9 | 427.0 | -333.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 356.6 | 1,523.2 | -1,166.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 56.3 | 637.6 | -581.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clayton or San Jose safer?
Clayton is safer with a total crime rate of 591 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Clayton has a violent crime rate of 84.5 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Clayton has lower violent crime.
About Clayton, CA
Nestled at the base of Mount Diablo, Clayton was founded as a coal mining town in 1857. This East Bay suburb primarily consists of single-family homes, with a median age of residents around 45. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 10,655, Clayton has a total crime rate of 591.3 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.