Is San Bruno or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Bruno is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 34/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,222 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 30% lower. San Bruno has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Bruno has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 23.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
San Bruno — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Bruno, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Bruno | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,221.8 | 3,194.8 | -973.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 256.5 | 606.9 | -350.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 14.8 | 77.3 | -62.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 56.7 | 140.8 | -84.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 184.9 | 386.0 | -201.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,965.3 | 2,587.9 | -622.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 56.7 | 427.0 | -370.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,634.9 | 1,523.2 | +111.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 273.7 | 637.6 | -363.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Bruno or San Jose safer?
San Bruno is safer with a total crime rate of 2,222 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Bruno has a violent crime rate of 256.5 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. San Bruno has lower violent crime.
About San Bruno, CA
San Bruno, a Peninsula city in San Mateo County, is home to YouTube's headquarters. Situated between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, it features a diverse population and a mix of residential and commercial areas. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 40,553, San Bruno has a total crime rate of 2,221.8 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.