Is Laguna Beach or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Laguna Beach is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 70/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,117 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 65% lower. Laguna Beach has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Laguna Beach has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 43.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Laguna Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Laguna Beach, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Laguna Beach | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,116.9 | 3,194.8 | -2,077.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 167.3 | 606.9 | -439.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 13.6 | 77.3 | -63.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 40.7 | 140.8 | -100.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 113.1 | 386.0 | -272.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 949.6 | 2,587.9 | -1,638.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 126.6 | 427.0 | -300.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 746.1 | 1,523.2 | -777.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 76.9 | 637.6 | -560.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laguna Beach or San Jose safer?
Laguna Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 1,117 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Laguna Beach has a violent crime rate of 167.3 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Laguna Beach has lower violent crime.
About Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Beach, a coastal city in Southern California renowned for its artist community and many art galleries, is nestled among canyons and beaches. Its population of roughly 22,000 residents enjoys a picturesque setting. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 22,115, Laguna Beach has a total crime rate of 1,116.9 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.