Is Foster City or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Foster City is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 84/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 739 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 77% lower. Foster City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Foster City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 30.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Foster City, CA?
Foster City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Foster City, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Foster City | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 738.6 | 3,194.8 | -2,456.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 69.4 | 606.9 | -537.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 6.3 | 77.3 | -71.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.1 | 140.8 | -118.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 41.0 | 386.0 | -344.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 669.2 | 2,587.9 | -1,918.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 22.1 | 427.0 | -404.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 555.6 | 1,523.2 | -967.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 91.5 | 637.6 | -546.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Foster City or San Jose safer?
Foster City is safer with a total crime rate of 739 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Foster City has a violent crime rate of 69.4 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Foster City has lower violent crime.
About Foster City, CA
Foster City, a master-planned community built on reclaimed land in San Mateo County, sits on the San Francisco Peninsula. Its lagoons and canals, a defining feature, are home to a diverse population of over 30,000 residents. With a safety score of 84/100 and a population coverage of 31,680, Foster City has a total crime rate of 738.6 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.