Is San Jose or South San Francisco Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South San Francisco is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 45/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,859 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 42% lower. San Jose has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South San Francisco has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 15.4x 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
South San Francisco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
South San Francisco, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | South San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 1,859.3 | +1,335.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 300.5 | +306.4 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 0.0 | +2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 22.5 | +54.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 35.4 | +105.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 242.7 | +143.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 1,558.8 | +1,029.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 102.9 | +324.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 1,107.2 | +416.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 348.7 | +288.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or South San Francisco safer?
South San Francisco is safer with a total crime rate of 1,859 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while South San Francisco has 300.5. South San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco, once "The Industrial City," is a diverse Bay Area city located just north of San Francisco International Airport. Its waterfront location and proximity to major biotech firms define much of its character. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 62,229, South San Francisco has a total crime rate of 1,859.3 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare San Jose
Compare South San Francisco
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