Is San Jose or Torrance Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Torrance is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 18/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 3,087 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 3% lower. San Jose has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Torrance has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 7.0x 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
Torrance — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
Torrance, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | Torrance | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 3,087.0 | +107.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 311.2 | +295.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 0.0 | +2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 27.0 | +50.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 115.4 | +25.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 168.7 | +217.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 2,775.8 | -187.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 479.2 | -52.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 1,819.6 | -296.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 477.0 | +160.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or Torrance safer?
Torrance is safer with a total crime rate of 3,087 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while Torrance has 311.2. Torrance 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 Torrance, CA
Torrance, California, a South Bay city, is known for its extensive park system and as the birthplace of the American Honda Motor Company. It spans a significant portion of the Palos Verdes Peninsula's northern side, boasting a diverse population and a strong industrial base. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 136,899, Torrance has a total crime rate of 3,087.0 per 100,000 residents.