Is Fresno or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Jose is safer than Fresno (Safety Score 16/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100,000 versus 4,008 for Fresno — 20% lower. Fresno has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 54% lower rate.
Fresno — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fresno, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fresno | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,007.5 | 3,194.8 | +812.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 736.2 | 606.9 | +129.3 |
| Murder Rate | 5.9 | 2.7 | +3.1 |
| Rape Rate | 44.6 | 77.3 | -32.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 167.9 | 140.8 | +27.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 517.1 | 386.0 | +131.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,271.3 | 2,587.9 | +683.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 396.2 | 427.0 | -30.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,204.1 | 1,523.2 | +680.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 671.1 | 637.6 | +33.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresno or San Jose safer?
San Jose is safer with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100K vs 4,008 for Fresno — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fresno has a violent crime rate of 736.2 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. San Jose has lower violent crime.
About Fresno, CA
Fresno, the "Raisin Capital of the World," is a Central Valley city with a diverse population exceeding 540,000. Its agricultural roots are deep, situated amidst fertile farmland and experiencing hot, dry summers. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 546,722, Fresno has a total crime rate of 4,007.5 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.