Is Imperial or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Imperial is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 98/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 259 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 92% lower. Imperial has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Imperial has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 43.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Imperial — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Imperial, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Imperial | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 259.3 | 3,194.8 | -2,935.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 77.3 | 606.9 | -529.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 9.1 | 77.3 | -68.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 140.8 | -140.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 68.2 | 386.0 | -317.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 182.0 | 2,587.9 | -2,405.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 31.9 | 427.0 | -395.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 104.6 | 1,523.2 | -1,418.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 45.5 | 637.6 | -592.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Imperial or San Jose safer?
Imperial is safer with a total crime rate of 259 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 92% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Imperial has a violent crime rate of 77.3 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Imperial has lower violent crime.
About Imperial, CA
Imperial, California, a city in the Imperial Valley near the Mexican border, was incorporated in 1904. Its desert climate supports a significant agricultural industry, with a population around 20,000. With a safety score of 98/100 and a population coverage of 21,980, Imperial has a total crime rate of 259.3 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.