Is San Jose or San Mateo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Mateo is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 37/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,127 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 33% lower. San Jose has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where San Mateo has a 60% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 9.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
San Jose — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Mateo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
San Mateo, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | San Mateo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 2,126.5 | +1,068.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 243.2 | +363.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 5.0 | -2.3 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 26.0 | +51.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 74.1 | +66.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 138.1 | +247.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 1,883.3 | +704.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 98.1 | +329.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 1,578.1 | -54.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 207.2 | +430.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or San Mateo safer?
San Mateo is safer with a total crime rate of 2,127 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while San Mateo has 243.2. San Mateo has lower violent crime.
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.
About San Mateo, CA
San Mateo, a city on the San Francisco Peninsula, was once home to the historic Borel Estate. Its diverse population of around 105,000 resides amidst a mix of urban and suburban landscapes. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 99,929, San Mateo has a total crime rate of 2,126.5 per 100,000 residents.