Is Petaluma or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Petaluma is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 58/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,445 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 55% lower. Petaluma has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Petaluma has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 16.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Petaluma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Petaluma, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Petaluma | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,444.6 | 3,194.8 | -1,750.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 271.8 | 606.9 | -335.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 44.5 | 77.3 | -32.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.5 | 140.8 | -96.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 182.9 | 386.0 | -203.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,172.8 | 2,587.9 | -1,415.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 95.7 | 427.0 | -331.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 976.2 | 1,523.2 | -547.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 100.9 | 637.6 | -536.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Petaluma or San Jose safer?
Petaluma is safer with a total crime rate of 1,445 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Petaluma has a violent crime rate of 271.8 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Petaluma has lower violent crime.
About Petaluma, CA
Nestled in Sonoma County, Petaluma is a historic dairy town known for its well-preserved iron-front buildings and a population of around 60,000. It straddles the Petaluma River, flowing into San Pablo Bay. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 58,493, Petaluma has a total crime rate of 1,444.6 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.