Is Pacific Grove or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pacific Grove is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 72/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,051 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 67% lower. Pacific Grove has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pacific Grove has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 65.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Pacific Grove — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pacific Grove, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pacific Grove | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,051.3 | 3,194.8 | -2,143.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 143.4 | 606.9 | -463.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 20.5 | 77.3 | -56.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 20.5 | 140.8 | -120.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 102.4 | 386.0 | -283.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 907.9 | 2,587.9 | -1,680.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 88.7 | 427.0 | -338.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 778.2 | 1,523.2 | -745.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 41.0 | 637.6 | -596.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacific Grove or San Jose safer?
Pacific Grove is safer with a total crime rate of 1,051 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pacific Grove has a violent crime rate of 143.4 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Pacific Grove has lower violent crime.
About Pacific Grove, CA
Pacific Grove, a coastal town in Monterey County, boasts a rich history as a Methodist retreat. Its stunning shoreline and Victorian architecture attract a diverse, affluent population. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 14,649, Pacific Grove has a total crime rate of 1,051.3 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.