Is Pasadena or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pasadena is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 16/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 3,178 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 1% lower. Pasadena has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pasadena has a 72% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 7.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Pasadena — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pasadena, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pasadena | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,178.1 | 3,194.8 | -16.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 481.2 | 606.9 | -125.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.8 | 2.7 | -2.0 |
| Rape Rate | 33.3 | 77.3 | -44.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 119.7 | 140.8 | -21.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 326.6 | 386.0 | -59.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,696.9 | 2,587.9 | +109.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 557.0 | 427.0 | +129.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,864.9 | 1,523.2 | +341.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 275.1 | 637.6 | -362.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pasadena or San Jose safer?
Pasadena is safer with a total crime rate of 3,178 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pasadena has a violent crime rate of 481.2 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Pasadena has lower violent crime.
About Pasadena, CA
Pasadena, nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, is famous for the Rose Bowl Parade. This affluent city in Los Angeles County is home to a diverse population. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 131,966, Pasadena has a total crime rate of 3,178.1 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.