Is San Diego or San Jose Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 38/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 35% lower. San Diego has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where San Diego has a 45% lower rate.
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego, CA
San Jose, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Diego | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,082.4 | 3,194.8 | -1,112.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 412.4 | 606.9 | -194.5 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 2.7 | -0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 21.4 | 77.3 | -56.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 140.8 | -63.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 310.9 | 386.0 | -75.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,670.0 | 2,587.9 | -917.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.4 | 427.0 | -239.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,087.1 | 1,523.2 | -436.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.5 | 637.6 | -242.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or San Jose safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Diego has a violent crime rate of 412.4 per 100K while San Jose has 606.9. San Diego has lower violent crime.
About San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, a major port city with a significant Hispanic population, sits on the Pacific Ocean just north of the Mexican border. Known for its mild climate and Balboa Park, it's also home to a large naval presence. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 1,389,024, San Diego has a total crime rate of 2,082.4 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.