| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | San Jose/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 30,568 | n/a (estimate) | 3,195 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 26 | n/a | 2.7 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 740 | n/a | 77.3 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1,347 | n/a | 140.8 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3,693 | n/a | 386.0 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5,806 | n/a (estimate) | 607 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4,086 | n/a | 427.0 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 14,575 | n/a | 1,523.2 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6,101 | n/a | 637.6 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 24,762 | n/a (estimate) | 2,588 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the San Jose crime rate is higher than the national average by 50.8%. Specifically, there were 5806 violent crimes in San Jose, equivalent to 607 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 69%. Furthermore, San Jose recorded 24762 property crimes, amounting to 2588 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 47%.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and San Jose is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, San Jose reported a total of 6101 vehicle thefts, resulting in 638 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 157, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
AreaVibes surveyed 130 local residents in San Jose to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 48% of people answered that there was very little crime in San Jose and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 52% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether San Jose is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, San Jose has an overall crime rate that is 51% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 83.75 daily occurrences, comprising 15.91 violent crimes and 67.84 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of San Jose as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in San Jose. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in San Jose has increased by 8.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 32.7%, while property crime has increased by 3.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in San Jose.
San Jose is a large urban city with at least 18 distinct neighborhoods. As a result, crime rates will differ dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. Typically, high density neighborhoods that are located close to the city center, experience more crime than neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Some of the safest neighborhoods in San Jose include: Berryessa, Evergreen and Cambrian Park. Some neighborhoods that have a higher number of reported crime that you might want to avoid include: Downtown, Fairgrounds and Alum Rock-East Foothills.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in San Jose crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. San Jose has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In San Jose, the cost of living is 113.8% higher than the national average.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in San Jose stands at $1,646,917, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | San Jose | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,435 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fruitdale, CA | 1,226 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Lexington Hills, CA | 2,745 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Los Altos Hills, CA | 8,670 | 49 | 358 | 408 |
| Cambrian Park, CA | 3,136 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Loyola, CA | 3,526 | 93 | 396 | 488 |
| Saratoga, CA | 32,244 | 89 | 600 | 689 |
| Monte Sereno, CA | 3,621 | 87 | 724 | 810 |
| San Jose, CA | 1,062,558 | 607 | 2,588 | 3,195 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Austin, TX | 988,400 | 467 | 3,242 | 3,709 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 934,752 | 316 | 1,682 | 1,998 |
| Fort Worth, TX | 926,371 | 458 | 2,700 | 3,158 |
| Columbus, OH | 914,920 | 435 | 2,653 | 3,088 |
| Charlotte, NC | 903,228 | 733 | 3,705 | 4,439 |
| San Jose, CA | 1,062,558 | 607 | 2,588 | 3,195 |
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