Is San Jose or Whittier Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Whittier is safer than San Jose (Safety Score 22/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,866 per 100,000 versus 3,195 for San Jose — 10% lower. San Jose has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Jose has a 55% lower rate.
Note: San Jose is 11.5x 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
Whittier — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Jose, CA
Whittier, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Jose | Whittier | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,194.8 | 2,865.9 | +328.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.9 | 490.5 | +116.4 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 6.0 | -3.3 |
| Rape Rate | 77.3 | 28.9 | +48.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.8 | 143.1 | -2.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 386.0 | 312.6 | +73.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,587.9 | 2,375.4 | +212.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.0 | 341.4 | +85.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,523.2 | 1,606.0 | -82.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 637.6 | 428.0 | +209.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose or Whittier safer?
Whittier is safer with a total crime rate of 2,866 per 100K vs 3,195 for San Jose — a 10% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Jose has a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100K while Whittier has 490.5. Whittier 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 Whittier, CA
Whittier, a city in southeast Los Angeles County, is known for its tree-lined streets and historic Uptown district, home to Whittier College. Its diverse population includes a significant Hispanic community. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 83,186, Whittier has a total crime rate of 2,865.9 per 100,000 residents.