Is Columbus or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbus is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 18/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 3,088 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 3% lower. Columbus has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 78% lower rate.
Columbus — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus, OH
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbus | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,088.3 | 3,194.8 | -106.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 435.0 | 606.9 | -171.9 |
| Murder Rate | 12.2 | 2.7 | +9.5 |
| Rape Rate | 124.2 | 77.3 | +46.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 87.7 | 140.8 | -53.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 210.7 | 386.0 | -175.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,653.4 | 2,587.9 | +65.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 404.5 | 427.0 | -22.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,706.1 | 1,523.2 | +182.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 542.8 | 637.6 | -94.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus or San Jose safer?
Columbus is safer with a total crime rate of 3,088 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 435.0 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Columbus has lower violent crime.
About Columbus, OH
Columbus, Ohio, the state capital, sits at the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers. Home to The Ohio State University, it's a diverse city with a growing population of over 900,000 residents. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 915,447, Columbus has a total crime rate of 3,088.3 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.