Is San Jose or San Rafael Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Rafael is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 19/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 3,015 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 6% lower. San Jose has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Rafael has a 38% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 16.2x 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 Rafael — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
San Rafael, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | San Rafael | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 3,015.1 | +179.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 559.0 | +47.9 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 1.7 | +1.0 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 50.8 | +26.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 149.1 | -8.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 357.4 | +28.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 2,456.1 | +131.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 264.2 | +162.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 1,770.1 | -246.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 421.8 | +215.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or San Rafael safer?
San Rafael is safer with a total crime rate of 3,015 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while San Rafael has 559.0. San Rafael 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 Rafael, CA
Nestled in Marin County, San Rafael is a Bay Area city with a rich history, home to Mission San Rafael Arcángel, one of California's original missions. Its diverse population of over 60,000 residents reflects a blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 59,037, San Rafael has a total crime rate of 3,015.1 per 100,000 residents.