Is Madera or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Madera is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 54/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 51% lower. Madera has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Madera has a 54% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 13.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Madera — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madera, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madera | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,572.7 | 3,194.8 | -1,622.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 395.0 | 606.9 | -211.9 |
| Murder Rate | 2.9 | 2.7 | +0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 48.1 | 77.3 | -29.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 74.3 | 140.8 | -66.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 268.2 | 386.0 | -117.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,177.7 | 2,587.9 | -1,410.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 102.0 | 427.0 | -325.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 800.2 | 1,523.2 | -723.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 275.5 | 637.6 | -362.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madera or San Jose safer?
Madera is safer with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madera has a violent crime rate of 395.0 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Madera has lower violent crime.
About Madera, CA
Madera, a Central Valley city, was founded as a railroad town in 1876. It serves as the county seat for Madera County and is known for its agricultural industry, particularly wine grapes. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 68,607, Madera has a total crime rate of 1,572.7 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.