Is Fountain Valley or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fountain Valley is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 41/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,965 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 39% lower. Fountain Valley has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fountain Valley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 17.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fountain Valley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fountain Valley, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fountain Valley | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,964.5 | 3,194.8 | -1,230.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 180.1 | 606.9 | -426.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 16.4 | 77.3 | -61.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 61.9 | 140.8 | -78.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 100.1 | 386.0 | -285.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,784.5 | 2,587.9 | -803.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.7 | 427.0 | -152.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,337.0 | 1,523.2 | -186.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 172.8 | 637.6 | -464.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fountain Valley or San Jose safer?
Fountain Valley is safer with a total crime rate of 1,965 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fountain Valley has a violent crime rate of 180.1 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Fountain Valley has lower violent crime.
About Fountain Valley, CA
Fountain Valley, a suburban Orange County city incorporated in 1957, is home to Mile Square Regional Park. This largely residential community, once known for its abundant artesian wells, sits just inland from the Pacific coast. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 54,975, Fountain Valley has a total crime rate of 1,964.5 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.