Is Hercules or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hercules is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 80/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 841 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 74% lower. Hercules has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hercules has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 35.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Hercules — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hercules, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hercules | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 841.5 | 3,194.8 | -2,353.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 168.3 | 606.9 | -438.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 77.3 | -77.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 140.8 | -107.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 134.6 | 386.0 | -251.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 673.2 | 2,587.9 | -1,914.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 67.3 | 427.0 | -359.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 471.2 | 1,523.2 | -1,052.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 134.6 | 637.6 | -503.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hercules or San Jose safer?
Hercules is safer with a total crime rate of 841 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hercules has a violent crime rate of 168.3 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Hercules has lower violent crime.
About Hercules, CA
Hercules, California, a Bay Area city named for a dynamite manufacturer, sits on the Carquinez Strait. This diverse community has seen significant growth, transitioning from industrial roots to a suburban landscape. With a safety score of 80/100 and a population coverage of 26,739, Hercules has a total crime rate of 841.5 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.