Is Huntington Beach or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Huntington Beach is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 35/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,196 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 31% lower. Huntington Beach has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Huntington Beach has a 66% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 5.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Huntington Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Huntington Beach, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Huntington Beach | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,196.4 | 3,194.8 | -998.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 207.3 | 606.9 | -399.6 |
| Murder Rate | 2.6 | 2.7 | -0.1 |
| Rape Rate | 34.7 | 77.3 | -42.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 51.0 | 140.8 | -89.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 118.9 | 386.0 | -267.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,989.2 | 2,587.9 | -598.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 201.0 | 427.0 | -226.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,644.0 | 1,523.2 | +120.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 144.2 | 637.6 | -493.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huntington Beach or San Jose safer?
Huntington Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 2,196 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Huntington Beach has a violent crime rate of 207.3 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Huntington Beach has lower violent crime.
About Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach, "Surf City, USA," stretches along the Pacific, a vibrant Orange County city with a significant tourist draw. Its lengthy pier and consistent waves attract a youthful, active population. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 190,081, Huntington Beach has a total crime rate of 2,196.4 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.