Is Desert Hot Springs or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Desert Hot Springs is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 50/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,692 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 47% lower. Desert Hot Springs has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 69% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 28.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Desert Hot Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Desert Hot Springs, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Desert Hot Springs | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,691.9 | 3,194.8 | -1,502.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 491.9 | 606.9 | -115.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.9 | 2.7 | +6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 29.6 | 77.3 | -47.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 118.5 | 140.8 | -22.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 334.8 | 386.0 | -51.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,200.0 | 2,587.9 | -1,387.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 272.6 | 427.0 | -154.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 551.1 | 1,523.2 | -972.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 376.3 | 637.6 | -261.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desert Hot Springs or San Jose safer?
Desert Hot Springs is safer with a total crime rate of 1,692 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Desert Hot Springs has a violent crime rate of 491.9 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Desert Hot Springs has lower violent crime.
About Desert Hot Springs, CA
Desert Hot Springs, California, a city known for its natural hot springs, lies in the Coachella Valley. Founded by Cabot Yerxa, it is a small city with a population of around 32,000, primarily composed of working-class families. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 33,749, Desert Hot Springs has a total crime rate of 1,691.9 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.