Is Gilroy or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gilroy is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 26/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,625 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 18% lower. Gilroy has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gilroy has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 16.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gilroy — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gilroy, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gilroy | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,624.5 | 3,194.8 | -570.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 461.3 | 606.9 | -145.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 55.3 | 77.3 | -22.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 114.0 | 140.8 | -26.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 292.0 | 386.0 | -94.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,163.2 | 2,587.9 | -424.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 255.7 | 427.0 | -171.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,504.9 | 1,523.2 | -18.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 402.6 | 637.6 | -235.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gilroy or San Jose safer?
Gilroy is safer with a total crime rate of 2,625 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gilroy has a violent crime rate of 461.3 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Gilroy has lower violent crime.
About Gilroy, CA
Gilroy, the "Garlic Capital of the World," is a city in Santa Clara County, known for its annual Garlic Festival. Located in a primarily agricultural region, its population is diverse, including a significant Hispanic community. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 57,877, Gilroy has a total crime rate of 2,624.5 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.