Is Phoenix or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 17/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 2% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 67% lower rate.
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 3,194.8 | -69.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 606.9 | +193.1 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 2.7 | +5.6 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 77.3 | -13.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 140.8 | +40.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 386.0 | +159.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,587.9 | -262.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 427.0 | -109.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,523.2 | +58.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 637.6 | -211.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or San Jose safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. San Jose has lower violent crime.
About Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 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.