Is Murrieta or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Murrieta is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 69/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,128 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 65% lower. Murrieta has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Murrieta has a 75% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 8.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Murrieta — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Murrieta, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Murrieta | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,128.2 | 3,194.8 | -2,066.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 184.6 | 606.9 | -422.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.9 | 2.7 | -1.8 |
| Rape Rate | 27.7 | 77.3 | -49.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.8 | 140.8 | -106.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 120.4 | 386.0 | -265.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 943.6 | 2,587.9 | -1,644.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 134.7 | 427.0 | -292.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 699.2 | 1,523.2 | -824.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 109.7 | 637.6 | -527.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murrieta or San Jose safer?
Murrieta is safer with a total crime rate of 1,128 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Murrieta has a violent crime rate of 184.6 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Murrieta has lower violent crime.
About Murrieta, CA
Murrieta, once a stop on the Butterfield Stage Route, is a suburban city in southwest Riverside County. It sits in a valley, largely populated by families and commuters. With a safety score of 69/100 and a population coverage of 112,125, Murrieta has a total crime rate of 1,128.2 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.