Is San Jose or San Pablo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Pablo is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 17/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 3,138 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 2% lower. San Jose has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where San Jose has a 38% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 30.9x 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 Pablo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
San Pablo, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | San Pablo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 3,138.1 | +56.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 629.6 | -22.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 3.2 | -0.5 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 45.2 | +32.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 226.0 | -85.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 351.9 | +34.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 2,508.6 | +79.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 287.3 | +139.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 1,294.6 | +228.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 926.6 | -289.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or San Pablo safer?
San Pablo is safer with a total crime rate of 3,138 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while San Pablo has 629.6. San Jose 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 Pablo, CA
San Pablo, California, a diverse city in Contra Costa County, has a rich history, including the Ohlone people's early presence. Situated along San Pablo Bay, it's home to a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 30,974, San Pablo has a total crime rate of 3,138.1 per 100,000 residents.