Is Lafayette or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lafayette is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 61/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,348 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 58% lower. Lafayette has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lafayette has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 38.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lafayette — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lafayette, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lafayette | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,347.6 | 3,194.8 | -1,847.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 80.2 | 606.9 | -526.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 77.3 | -77.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 40.1 | 140.8 | -100.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 40.1 | 386.0 | -345.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,267.4 | 2,587.9 | -1,320.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 104.3 | 427.0 | -322.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,102.9 | 1,523.2 | -420.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.2 | 637.6 | -577.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lafayette or San Jose safer?
Lafayette is safer with a total crime rate of 1,348 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lafayette has a violent crime rate of 80.2 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Lafayette has lower violent crime.
About Lafayette, CA
Nestled in the East Bay hills, Lafayette is a suburban community known for its top-rated schools and the annual "Reservoir Run." This affluent town, largely composed of families and commuters, offers a peaceful, tree-lined environment. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 24,934, Lafayette has a total crime rate of 1,347.6 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.