Is Martinez or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Martinez is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 56/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,506 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 53% lower. Martinez has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Martinez has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 26.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Martinez — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Martinez, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Martinez | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,505.6 | 3,194.8 | -1,689.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.8 | 606.9 | -330.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 41.5 | 77.3 | -35.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 58.1 | 140.8 | -82.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 177.1 | 386.0 | -208.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,228.8 | 2,587.9 | -1,359.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 74.7 | 427.0 | -352.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 905.0 | 1,523.2 | -618.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 249.1 | 637.6 | -388.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Martinez or San Jose safer?
Martinez is safer with a total crime rate of 1,506 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Martinez has a violent crime rate of 276.8 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Martinez has lower violent crime.
About Martinez, CA
Martinez, a city in Contra Costa County, sits on the Carquinez Strait, once home to famed naturalist John Muir. Its historic downtown area reflects its past as an important shipping and railroad hub. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 36,132, Martinez has a total crime rate of 1,505.6 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.