Is San Bernardino or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Jose is safer than San Bernardino (Safety Score 16/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100,000 versus 3,795 for San Bernardino — 16% lower. San Bernardino has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 76% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 4.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
San Bernardino — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Bernardino, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Bernardino | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,794.8 | 3,194.8 | +600.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 897.1 | 606.9 | +290.2 |
| Murder Rate | 11.2 | 2.7 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 49.9 | 77.3 | -27.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 241.2 | 140.8 | +100.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 594.8 | 386.0 | +208.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,897.7 | 2,587.9 | +309.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 455.2 | 427.0 | +28.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,677.4 | 1,523.2 | +154.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 765.1 | 637.6 | +127.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Bernardino or San Jose safer?
San Jose is safer with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100K vs 3,795 for San Bernardino — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Bernardino has a violent crime rate of 897.1 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. San Jose has lower violent crime.
About San Bernardino, CA
Nestled in the Inland Empire, San Bernardino is a diverse city historically linked to the Santa Fe Railroad. Its population of over 200,000 residents enjoys views of the San Bernardino Mountains. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 224,283, San Bernardino has a total crime rate of 3,794.8 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.