Is Fullerton or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fullerton is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 29/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,481 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 22% lower. Fullerton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fullerton has a 74% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 6.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fullerton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fullerton, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fullerton | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,481.5 | 3,194.8 | -713.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 457.4 | 606.9 | -149.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 2.7 | -2.0 |
| Rape Rate | 32.6 | 77.3 | -44.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 90.6 | 140.8 | -50.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 331.3 | 386.0 | -54.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,024.0 | 2,587.9 | -563.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 327.0 | 427.0 | -100.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,486.9 | 1,523.2 | -36.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 210.2 | 637.6 | -427.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fullerton or San Jose safer?
Fullerton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,481 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fullerton has a violent crime rate of 457.4 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Fullerton has lower violent crime.
About Fullerton, CA
Fullerton, a city in northern Orange County, is home to California State University, Fullerton. It developed around citrus groves and now boasts a diverse population with a notable student presence. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 137,942, Fullerton has a total crime rate of 2,481.5 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.