Is Redwood City or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Redwood City is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 38/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,092 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 35% lower. Redwood City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Redwood City has a 37% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 12.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Redwood City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Redwood City, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Redwood City | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,092.2 | 3,194.8 | -1,102.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 472.2 | 606.9 | -134.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 2.7 | -0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 53.7 | 77.3 | -23.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 137.4 | 140.8 | -3.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 278.5 | 386.0 | -107.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,620.0 | 2,587.9 | -967.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 118.7 | 427.0 | -308.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,246.6 | 1,523.2 | -276.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 254.8 | 637.6 | -382.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redwood City or San Jose safer?
Redwood City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,092 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Redwood City has a violent crime rate of 472.2 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. Redwood City has lower violent crime.
About Redwood City, CA
Redwood City, the county seat of San Mateo County, was once a major lumber port. It sits on the San Francisco Peninsula, with a diverse population and a significant Latin American community. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 80,060, Redwood City has a total crime rate of 2,092.2 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.