Is Elk Grove or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Elk Grove is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 59/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,422 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 55% lower. Elk Grove has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Elk Grove has a 69% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 5.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Elk Grove — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Elk Grove, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Elk Grove | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,422.3 | 3,194.8 | -1,772.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 190.4 | 606.9 | -416.5 |
| Murder Rate | 1.7 | 2.7 | -1.0 |
| Rape Rate | 20.7 | 77.3 | -56.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.3 | 140.8 | -90.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 117.3 | 386.0 | -268.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,231.9 | 2,587.9 | -1,356.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 110.6 | 427.0 | -316.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 996.2 | 1,523.2 | -527.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 125.1 | 637.6 | -512.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elk Grove or San Jose safer?
Elk Grove is safer with a total crime rate of 1,422 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Elk Grove has a violent crime rate of 190.4 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Elk Grove has lower violent crime.
About Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove, California, a Sacramento suburb, grew from a 19th-century stagecoach stop. It's now a diverse community known for its family-friendly atmosphere and rapid population expansion. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 179,074, Elk Grove has a total crime rate of 1,422.3 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.