Is San Jose or Santa Ana Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Santa Ana is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 35/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,196 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 31% lower. San Jose has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 44% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 3.1x 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
Santa Ana — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | Santa Ana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 2,195.6 | +999.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 493.4 | +113.5 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 4.8 | -2.1 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 52.5 | +24.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 106.0 | +34.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 329.7 | +56.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 1,702.2 | +885.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 225.6 | +201.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 1,160.5 | +362.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 316.1 | +321.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or Santa Ana safer?
Santa Ana is safer with a total crime rate of 2,196 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while Santa Ana has 493.4. Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana, the seat of Orange County, sits along the Santa Ana River. Its historic downtown, including the Yost Theater, reflects its rich past. Over 75% of its diverse population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 310,304, Santa Ana has a total crime rate of 2,195.6 per 100,000 residents.