Is Porterville or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Porterville is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 44/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,871 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 41% lower. Porterville has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Porterville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 15.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Porterville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Porterville, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Porterville | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,871.5 | 3,194.8 | -1,323.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 389.6 | 606.9 | -217.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 31.8 | 77.3 | -45.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 70.0 | 140.8 | -70.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 283.0 | 386.0 | -102.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,481.9 | 2,587.9 | -1,106.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 289.4 | 427.0 | -137.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 841.1 | 1,523.2 | -682.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 351.4 | 637.6 | -286.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Porterville or San Jose safer?
Porterville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,871 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Porterville has a violent crime rate of 389.6 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Porterville has lower violent crime.
About Porterville, CA
Nestled in California's Central Valley, Porterville is a city with a rich agricultural heritage, once a major citrus producer. Its diverse population of over 60,000 residents enjoys proximity to the Sierra Nevada foothills. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 62,891, Porterville has a total crime rate of 1,871.5 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.