Is San Jose or Shafter Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shafter is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 51/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,644 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 49% lower. San Jose has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Shafter has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 42.4x 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
Shafter — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
Shafter, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | Shafter | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 1,643.8 | +1,551.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 279.1 | +327.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 0.0 | +2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 53.2 | +24.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 8.9 | +131.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 217.1 | +168.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 1,364.6 | +1,223.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 115.2 | +311.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 806.4 | +716.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 443.1 | +194.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or Shafter safer?
Shafter is safer with a total crime rate of 1,644 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while Shafter has 279.1. Shafter 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 Shafter, CA
Shafter, a Central Valley city, grew from a Santa Fe Railway colony in 1914. Its economy is deeply rooted in agriculture and oil, with a diverse, predominantly Hispanic population. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 22,570, Shafter has a total crime rate of 1,643.8 per 100,000 residents.