Is Oakland or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Jose is safer than Oakland (Safety Score 16/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100,000 versus 9,156 for Oakland — 65% lower. Oakland has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 85% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Oakland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Oakland, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Oakland | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 9,155.7 | 3,194.8 | +5,960.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,925.3 | 606.9 | +1,318.4 |
| Murder Rate | 18.6 | 2.7 | +15.9 |
| Rape Rate | 68.0 | 77.3 | -9.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 680.4 | 140.8 | +539.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,158.3 | 386.0 | +772.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 7,230.3 | 2,587.9 | +4,642.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 786.8 | 427.0 | +359.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,164.7 | 1,523.2 | +2,641.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 2,278.9 | 637.6 | +1,641.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakland or San Jose safer?
San Jose is safer with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100K vs 9,156 for Oakland — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Oakland has a violent crime rate of 1,925.3 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. San Jose has lower violent crime.
About Oakland, CA
Oakland, a diverse East Bay city, boasts a rich history of activism and art, including its vibrant jazz scene. Geographically, it sits on the San Francisco Bay's eastern shore, home to a significant port and varied topography. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 435,042, Oakland has a total crime rate of 9,155.7 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.