Is Modesto or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Modesto is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 18/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 3,070 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 4% lower. Modesto has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
Note: San Jose is 4.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Modesto — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Modesto, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Modesto | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,070.5 | 3,194.8 | -124.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 655.7 | 606.9 | +48.9 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 2.7 | +0.5 |
| Rape Rate | 56.2 | 77.3 | -21.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 113.3 | 140.8 | -27.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 483.1 | 386.0 | +97.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,414.7 | 2,587.9 | -173.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 267.1 | 427.0 | -159.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,818.8 | 1,523.2 | +295.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 328.8 | 637.6 | -308.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Modesto or San Jose safer?
Modesto is safer with a total crime rate of 3,070 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Modesto has a violent crime rate of 655.7 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. San Jose has lower violent crime.
About Modesto, CA
Modesto, seat of Stanislaus County, is known for its agricultural roots and as the birthplace of filmmaker George Lucas. Situated in California's Central Valley, it's a diverse city with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 218,990, Modesto has a total crime rate of 3,070.5 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.