Is San Jose or Union City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Union City is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 25/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,643 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 17% lower. San Jose has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Union City has a 33% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 15.0x 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
Union City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
Union City, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | Union City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 2,643.2 | +551.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 408.0 | +198.9 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 3.1 | -0.4 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 17.2 | +60.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 120.4 | +20.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 267.3 | +118.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 2,235.2 | +352.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 292.3 | +134.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 1,269.2 | +254.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 673.7 | -36.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or Union City safer?
Union City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,643 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while Union City has 408.0. Union City 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 Union City, CA
Union City, California, a diverse East Bay city, was formed by the merger of Alvarado and Decoto. It's home to a significant Filipino American population and offers views of the San Francisco Bay. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 63,976, Union City has a total crime rate of 2,643.2 per 100,000 residents.