Is Manhattan Beach or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Manhattan Beach is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 25/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,683 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 16% lower. Manhattan Beach has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Manhattan Beach has a 75% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 29.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Manhattan Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Manhattan Beach, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Manhattan Beach | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,683.1 | 3,194.8 | -511.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 149.7 | 606.9 | -457.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.1 | 2.7 | +0.3 |
| Rape Rate | 15.3 | 77.3 | -62.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 48.9 | 140.8 | -91.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 82.5 | 386.0 | -303.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,533.3 | 2,587.9 | -54.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 409.5 | 427.0 | -17.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,894.6 | 1,523.2 | +371.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 229.2 | 637.6 | -408.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manhattan Beach or San Jose safer?
Manhattan Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 2,683 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Manhattan Beach has a violent crime rate of 149.7 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Manhattan Beach has lower violent crime.
About Manhattan Beach, CA
Manhattan Beach, a city in southwest Los Angeles County, is an affluent coastal community known for its pier, a popular surf spot since the early 1900s. It features a scenic Strand and boasts a median household income significantly above the county average. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 32,724, Manhattan Beach has a total crime rate of 2,683.1 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.