Is Colton or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Colton is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 28/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,498 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 22% lower. Colton has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 52% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 18.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Colton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Colton, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Colton | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,498.5 | 3,194.8 | -696.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 393.2 | 606.9 | -213.7 |
| Murder Rate | 5.6 | 2.7 | +2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 22.6 | 77.3 | -54.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 105.4 | 140.8 | -35.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 259.6 | 386.0 | -126.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,105.2 | 2,587.9 | -482.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 301.0 | 427.0 | -126.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,418.6 | 1,523.2 | -104.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 385.7 | 637.6 | -251.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colton or San Jose safer?
Colton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,498 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Colton has a violent crime rate of 393.2 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Colton has lower violent crime.
About Colton, CA
Colton, California, a historic railroad town, lies in the Inland Empire. It's home to the oldest operating McDonald's restaurant, a landmark reflecting its mid-20th century growth. The city is primarily a working-class community with a diverse population. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 53,153, Colton has a total crime rate of 2,498.5 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.