Is Escondido or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Escondido is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 43/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,919 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 40% lower. Escondido has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Escondido has a 50% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 6.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Escondido — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Escondido, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Escondido | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,918.9 | 3,194.8 | -1,275.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 433.5 | 606.9 | -173.4 |
| Murder Rate | 1.4 | 2.7 | -1.4 |
| Rape Rate | 17.7 | 77.3 | -59.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 112.1 | 140.8 | -28.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 302.4 | 386.0 | -83.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,485.4 | 2,587.9 | -1,102.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 222.9 | 427.0 | -204.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,050.5 | 1,523.2 | -472.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 637.6 | -425.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Escondido or San Jose safer?
Escondido is safer with a total crime rate of 1,919 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Escondido has a violent crime rate of 433.5 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Escondido has lower violent crime.
About Escondido, CA
Nestled in a valley, Escondido, California, is one of San Diego County's oldest cities, incorporated in 1888. Its diverse population of over 150,000 residents enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with citrus groves historically important to its economy. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 147,170, Escondido has a total crime rate of 1,918.9 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.