Is Hillsborough or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hillsborough is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 82/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 774 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 76% lower. Hillsborough has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hillsborough has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 89.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Hillsborough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hillsborough, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hillsborough | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 773.7 | 3,194.8 | -2,421.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 93.2 | 606.9 | -513.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 37.3 | 77.3 | -40.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 9.3 | 140.8 | -131.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 46.6 | 386.0 | -339.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 680.5 | 2,587.9 | -1,907.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 167.8 | 427.0 | -259.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 428.8 | 1,523.2 | -1,094.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 83.9 | 637.6 | -553.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hillsborough or San Jose safer?
Hillsborough is safer with a total crime rate of 774 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hillsborough has a violent crime rate of 93.2 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Hillsborough has lower violent crime.
About Hillsborough, CA
Hillsborough is an affluent, residential town on the San Francisco Peninsula, known for its large estates and lack of commercial zoning. It was incorporated in 1910 and has a median household income significantly higher than the national average. With a safety score of 82/100 and a population coverage of 10,728, Hillsborough has a total crime rate of 773.7 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.