Is Lincoln or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lincoln is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 87/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 657 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 79% lower. Lincoln has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lincoln has a 90% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 17.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lincoln — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lincoln, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lincoln | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 657.1 | 3,194.8 | -2,537.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 96.2 | 606.9 | -510.7 |
| Murder Rate | 1.8 | 2.7 | -0.9 |
| Rape Rate | 17.8 | 77.3 | -59.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.3 | 140.8 | -126.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 62.3 | 386.0 | -323.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 561.0 | 2,587.9 | -2,026.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 35.6 | 427.0 | -391.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 491.5 | 1,523.2 | -1,031.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 33.8 | 637.6 | -603.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln or San Jose safer?
Lincoln is safer with a total crime rate of 657 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lincoln has a violent crime rate of 96.2 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Lincoln has lower violent crime.
About Lincoln, CA
Lincoln, California, a Placer County city once known for its brickyards, is experiencing rapid growth. Situated in the Sacramento metropolitan area, its population has more than doubled since 2000. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 56,152, Lincoln has a total crime rate of 657.1 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.