Is San Jose or Selma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Selma is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 36/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,172 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 32% lower. San Jose has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Selma has a 62% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 39.2x 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
Selma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
Selma, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | Selma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 2,172.2 | +1,022.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 573.8 | +33.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 4.1 | -1.4 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 16.4 | +61.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 53.3 | +87.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 500.0 | -114.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 1,598.4 | +989.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 286.9 | +140.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 995.9 | +527.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 315.6 | +322.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or Selma safer?
Selma is safer with a total crime rate of 2,172 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while Selma has 573.8. Selma 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 Selma, CA
Selma, known as the "Raisin Capital of the World," is a Central Valley city in Fresno County. Its agricultural roots are evident in its demographics, with a significant Hispanic population contributing to its vibrant community. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 24,399, Selma has a total crime rate of 2,172.2 per 100,000 residents.