Is Monterey or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Monterey is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 36/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,171 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 32% lower. Monterey has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Monterey has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 33.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Monterey — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Monterey, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Monterey | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,170.7 | 3,194.8 | -1,024.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 389.0 | 606.9 | -217.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 66.0 | 77.3 | -11.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 62.5 | 140.8 | -78.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 253.5 | 386.0 | -132.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,781.7 | 2,587.9 | -806.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.4 | 427.0 | -152.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,413.6 | 1,523.2 | -109.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 93.8 | 637.6 | -543.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monterey or San Jose safer?
Monterey is safer with a total crime rate of 2,171 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Monterey has a violent crime rate of 389.0 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Monterey has lower violent crime.
About Monterey, CA
Nestled on Monterey Bay, this coastal city is famed for Cannery Row's sardine industry past. Its population is approximately 30,000, with a significant portion of residents over 65. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 28,792, Monterey has a total crime rate of 2,170.7 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.