Is Napa or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Napa is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 51/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,673 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 48% lower. Napa has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Napa has a 68% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 12.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Napa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Napa, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Napa | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,672.6 | 3,194.8 | -1,522.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 290.0 | 606.9 | -316.9 |
| Murder Rate | 5.2 | 2.7 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 24.7 | 77.3 | -52.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 45.5 | 140.8 | -95.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 213.3 | 386.0 | -172.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,382.5 | 2,587.9 | -1,205.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 85.8 | 427.0 | -341.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,145.8 | 1,523.2 | -377.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 150.9 | 637.6 | -486.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Napa or San Jose safer?
Napa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,673 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Napa has a violent crime rate of 290.0 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Napa has lower violent crime.
About Napa, CA
Napa, California, the heart of American winemaking since the mid-19th century, is a valley north of San Francisco. It boasts a median household income significantly higher than the state average, reflecting its affluent population. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 76,888, Napa has a total crime rate of 1,672.6 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.