Is Glendale or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Glendale is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 32/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,315 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 28% lower. Glendale has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Glendale has a 53% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 5.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Glendale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Glendale, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Glendale | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,314.6 | 3,194.8 | -880.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 287.8 | 606.9 | -319.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.2 | 2.7 | -0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 18.5 | 77.3 | -58.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 93.4 | 140.8 | -47.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 173.2 | 386.0 | -212.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,026.8 | 2,587.9 | -561.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 202.0 | 427.0 | -225.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,594.6 | 1,523.2 | +71.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 230.2 | 637.6 | -407.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glendale or San Jose safer?
Glendale is safer with a total crime rate of 2,315 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Glendale has a violent crime rate of 287.8 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Glendale has lower violent crime.
About Glendale, CA
Glendale, a San Fernando Valley city, is home to Forest Lawn Memorial Park, a significant burial site for Hollywood figures. It has a substantial Armenian-American population, reflected in its diverse cultural landscape. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 184,180, Glendale has a total crime rate of 2,314.6 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.