Is Palm Springs or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Jose is safer than Palm Springs (Safety Score 16/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100,000 versus 3,821 for Palm Springs — 16% lower. Palm Springs has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 75% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 21.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Palm Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Palm Springs, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Palm Springs | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,821.1 | 3,194.8 | +626.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 607.9 | 606.9 | +1.0 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 2.7 | +8.3 |
| Rape Rate | 68.3 | 77.3 | -9.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 147.6 | 140.8 | +6.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 376.6 | 386.0 | -9.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,213.2 | 2,587.9 | +625.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 385.4 | 427.0 | -41.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,354.3 | 1,523.2 | +831.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 473.5 | 637.6 | -164.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palm Springs or San Jose safer?
San Jose is safer with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100K vs 3,821 for Palm Springs — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Palm Springs has a violent crime rate of 607.9 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. San Jose has lower violent crime.
About Palm Springs, CA
Nestled in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is an iconic desert resort known for its mid-century modern architecture and as a playground for Hollywood's elite. Its population swells seasonally, attracting snowbirds and tourists seeking warm weather and leisure. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 45,406, Palm Springs has a total crime rate of 3,821.1 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.