Is Mill Valley or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mill Valley is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 70/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,098 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 66% lower. Mill Valley has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mill Valley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 70.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mill Valley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mill Valley, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mill Valley | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,098.3 | 3,194.8 | -2,096.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 95.2 | 606.9 | -511.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 77.3 | -77.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 29.3 | 140.8 | -111.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 65.9 | 386.0 | -320.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,003.1 | 2,587.9 | -1,584.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 183.0 | 427.0 | -244.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 790.8 | 1,523.2 | -732.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 29.3 | 637.6 | -608.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mill Valley or San Jose safer?
Mill Valley is safer with a total crime rate of 1,098 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mill Valley has a violent crime rate of 95.2 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Mill Valley has lower violent crime.
About Mill Valley, CA
Mill Valley, a Marin County city nestled at Mt. Tamalpais' base, is known for its redwood forests and affluent, predominantly white population. It was the starting point for the Dipsea Race, one of the oldest trail races in the U.S. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 13,658, Mill Valley has a total crime rate of 1,098.3 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.