Is San Jose or Vacaville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Vacaville is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 39/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,033 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 36% lower. San Jose has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Vacaville has a 64% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 9.3x 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
Vacaville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
Vacaville, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | Vacaville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 2,032.7 | +1,162.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 293.2 | +313.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 1.0 | +1.8 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 41.9 | +35.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 53.6 | +87.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 196.7 | +189.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 1,739.5 | +848.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 152.9 | +274.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 1,380.1 | +143.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 206.5 | +431.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or Vacaville safer?
Vacaville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,033 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while Vacaville has 293.2. Vacaville 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 Vacaville, CA
Vacaville, nestled in Solano County, was once a prominent agricultural center known for its fruit orchards. Today, this city of over 100,000 residents serves as a significant bedroom community for the Bay Area. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 102,672, Vacaville has a total crime rate of 2,032.7 per 100,000 residents.