Is Pittsburg or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pittsburg is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 26/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,609 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 18% lower. Pittsburg has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Pittsburg has a 24% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 12.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Pittsburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburg, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pittsburg | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,609.1 | 3,194.8 | -585.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 460.2 | 606.9 | -146.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.6 | 2.7 | -0.1 |
| Rape Rate | 37.0 | 77.3 | -40.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 112.4 | 140.8 | -28.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 308.1 | 386.0 | -77.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,148.9 | 2,587.9 | -439.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 321.3 | 427.0 | -105.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,024.9 | 1,523.2 | -498.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 802.7 | 637.6 | +165.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pittsburg or San Jose safer?
Pittsburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,609 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pittsburg has a violent crime rate of 460.2 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Pittsburg has lower violent crime.
About Pittsburg, CA
Pittsburg, California, once a thriving fishing port, sits on the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. This diverse East Bay city has a population of over 76,000, with a significant Hispanic and Latino presence. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 75,621, Pittsburg has a total crime rate of 2,609.1 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.