Is Newark or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Jose is safer than Newark (Safety Score 16/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100,000 versus 4,346 for Newark — 26% lower. Newark has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Newark has a 37% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 20.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Newark — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Newark, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Newark | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,345.7 | 3,194.8 | +1,150.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 383.0 | 606.9 | -223.9 |
| Murder Rate | 2.1 | 2.7 | -0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 15.0 | 77.3 | -62.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 128.4 | 140.8 | -12.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 235.4 | 386.0 | -150.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,962.7 | 2,587.9 | +1,374.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 457.9 | 427.0 | +30.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,608.3 | 1,523.2 | +1,085.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 896.5 | 637.6 | +258.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newark or San Jose safer?
San Jose is safer with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100K vs 4,346 for Newark — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Newark has a violent crime rate of 383.0 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Newark has lower violent crime.
About Newark, CA
Newark, California, a city in Alameda County, was incorporated in 1955 and is named after Newark, New Jersey. Situated on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, it's a diverse community with a significant Asian population. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 46,736, Newark has a total crime rate of 4,345.7 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.