Is San Jose or South Lake Tahoe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Lake Tahoe is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 34/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,266 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 29% lower. San Jose has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Lake Tahoe has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 45.6x 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
South Lake Tahoe — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | South Lake Tahoe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 2,266.1 | +928.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 804.6 | -197.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 0.0 | +2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 61.9 | +15.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 42.9 | +97.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 680.8 | -294.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 1,461.6 | +1,126.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 190.4 | +236.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 1,161.6 | +361.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 109.5 | +528.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or South Lake Tahoe safer?
South Lake Tahoe is safer with a total crime rate of 2,266 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while South Lake Tahoe has 804.6. 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 South Lake Tahoe, CA
South Lake Tahoe, California, is a resort city on the Sierra Nevada's eastern slope, renowned for its casinos and Heavenly Mountain Resort. Its pristine alpine lake attracts millions of visitors annually. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 21,005, South Lake Tahoe has a total crime rate of 2,266.1 per 100,000 residents.