Is Los Altos or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Altos is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 63/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,289 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 60% lower. Los Altos has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Los Altos has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 32.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Los Altos — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Altos, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Altos | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,289.3 | 3,194.8 | -1,905.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 77.8 | 606.9 | -529.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 10.2 | 77.3 | -67.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.9 | 140.8 | -123.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 50.8 | 386.0 | -335.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,211.5 | 2,587.9 | -1,376.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 253.8 | 427.0 | -173.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 903.5 | 1,523.2 | -619.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 54.1 | 637.6 | -583.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Altos or San Jose safer?
Los Altos is safer with a total crime rate of 1,289 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Altos has a violent crime rate of 77.8 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Los Altos has lower violent crime.
About Los Altos, CA
Los Altos, California, a suburban community in Santa Clara County, was incorporated in 1956. Known for its affluent residential areas and a charming downtown, it's situated at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay Area. With a safety score of 63/100 and a population coverage of 29,551, Los Altos has a total crime rate of 1,289.3 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.