Is Los Angeles or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 35/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 31% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 61% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 4.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 3,194.8 | -982.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 606.9 | +121.7 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 2.7 | +4.2 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 77.3 | -37.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 140.8 | +69.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 386.0 | +85.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 2,587.9 | -1,104.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 427.0 | -54.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 1,523.2 | -671.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 637.6 | -378.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or San Jose safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. San Jose has lower violent crime.
About Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, a sprawling Southern California metropolis, is a major Pacific Rim gateway, home to Hollywood's film industry. Its diverse population of nearly 4 million people resides across a vast urban landscape bordered by mountains and the Pacific Ocean. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 3,796,352, Los Angeles has a total crime rate of 2,212.5 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.