Is Sacramento or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Jose is safer than Sacramento (Safety Score 16/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100,000 versus 3,302 for Sacramento — 3% lower. Sacramento has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 68% lower rate.
Sacramento — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Sacramento, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Sacramento | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,302.5 | 3,194.8 | +107.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 755.1 | 606.9 | +148.2 |
| Murder Rate | 8.5 | 2.7 | +5.8 |
| Rape Rate | 34.6 | 77.3 | -42.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 192.2 | 140.8 | +51.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 519.7 | 386.0 | +133.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,547.3 | 2,587.9 | -40.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 441.6 | 427.0 | +14.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,596.1 | 1,523.2 | +72.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 509.6 | 637.6 | -128.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sacramento or San Jose safer?
San Jose is safer with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100K vs 3,302 for Sacramento — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Sacramento has a violent crime rate of 755.1 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. San Jose has lower violent crime.
About Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, California's state capital, sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. A key Gold Rush city, it's known for its tree-lined streets and diverse population. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 526,670, Sacramento has a total crime rate of 3,302.5 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.