Is San Jose or Scotts Valley Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Scotts Valley is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 43/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,904 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 40% lower. San Jose has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Scotts Valley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 81.3x 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
Scotts Valley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
Scotts Valley, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | Scotts Valley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 1,904.0 | +1,290.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 306.0 | +300.9 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 0.0 | +2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 42.5 | +34.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 34.0 | +106.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 229.5 | +156.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 1,598.0 | +989.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 76.5 | +350.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 1,487.5 | +35.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 34.0 | +603.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or Scotts Valley safer?
Scotts Valley is safer with a total crime rate of 1,904 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while Scotts Valley has 306.0. Scotts Valley 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 Scotts Valley, CA
Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Scotts Valley was once home to the innovative Santa's Village theme park. This small city, with a population around 12,000, is characterized by its redwood forests and proximity to the coast. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 11,765, Scotts Valley has a total crime rate of 1,904.0 per 100,000 residents.