Is Pacifica or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pacifica is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 58/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,451 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 55% lower. Pacifica has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pacifica has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 26.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Pacifica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pacifica, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pacifica | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,451.4 | 3,194.8 | -1,743.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 145.4 | 606.9 | -461.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 30.8 | 77.3 | -46.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 8.4 | 140.8 | -132.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 106.3 | 386.0 | -279.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,306.0 | 2,587.9 | -1,281.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 42.0 | 427.0 | -385.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,143.8 | 1,523.2 | -379.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 120.3 | 637.6 | -517.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacifica or San Jose safer?
Pacifica is safer with a total crime rate of 1,451 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pacifica has a violent crime rate of 145.4 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Pacifica has lower violent crime.
About Pacifica, CA
Pacifica, a coastal city south of San Francisco, is known for its beautiful beaches and foggy climate. It's home to the world's first Taco Bell, a testament to its suburban development. The city's population is diverse, with a significant Asian American community. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 35,759, Pacifica has a total crime rate of 1,451.4 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.