Is San Jose or Santa Monica Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Jose is safer than Santa Monica (Safety Score 16/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100,000 versus 5,573 for Santa Monica — 43% lower. San Jose has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where San Jose has a 46% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 10.8x 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 Monica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
Santa Monica, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | Santa Monica | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 5,572.9 | -2,378.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 782.5 | -175.6 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 4.5 | -1.8 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 72.0 | +5.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 202.4 | -61.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 499.2 | -113.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 4,790.4 | -2,202.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 848.8 | -421.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 3,382.9 | -1,859.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 558.8 | +78.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or Santa Monica safer?
San Jose is safer with a total crime rate of 3,195 per 100K vs 5,573 for Santa Monica — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while Santa Monica has 782.5. 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 Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica, a coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles, is known for its iconic pier and vibrant tourism. Its beaches and Pacific Ocean proximity draw a diverse population, including many young professionals and families. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 88,948, Santa Monica has a total crime rate of 5,572.9 per 100,000 residents.