Is Ontario or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ontario is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 38/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,090 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 35% lower. Ontario has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Ontario has a 55% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 5.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ontario — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ontario, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ontario | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,089.7 | 3,194.8 | -1,105.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.2 | 606.9 | -334.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.2 | 2.7 | -0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 43.8 | 77.3 | -33.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 140.8 | -63.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 148.8 | 386.0 | -237.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,817.5 | 2,587.9 | -770.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 238.7 | 427.0 | -188.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,113.3 | 1,523.2 | -409.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 465.5 | 637.6 | -172.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ontario or San Jose safer?
Ontario is safer with a total crime rate of 2,090 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ontario has a violent crime rate of 272.2 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Ontario has lower violent crime.
About Ontario, CA
Ontario, California, once known for its citrus groves and "Model Colony" design, sits in the Inland Empire. This diverse city, home to over 180,000 residents, serves as a logistics hub for Southern California. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 184,763, Ontario has a total crime rate of 2,089.7 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.