Is San Jose Safe?
San Jose, statistically speaking, experienced an increase in reported crimes from 14,048 per 100,000 population in 2021 to 15,552 per 100,000 population in 2023, as per the San Jose Police Department. While these figures indicate a rise in crime rates, they don't solely define the safety of a city. Factors like neighborhood, time of day, and personal precautions also play crucial roles.
10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in San Jose
- Downtown
- Fairgrounds
- Rose Garden
- Buena Vista
- East San Jose
- Santa Teresa
- Alum Rock
- North Valley
- Willow Glen
- Edenvale-Seven Trees
1. Downtown
Downtown San Jose is a bustling area, known as the heart of the city, where you can find both exciting attractions and some safety concerns. It's home to many famous spots like the San Jose Museum of Art and the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. Plus, it's where San José State University's campus is located.
However, it's important to stay vigilant, as Downtown has higher crime rates compared to the national average, making it the most dangerous neighborhood in San Jose. Despite this, it remains a significant hub for tech companies in Silicon Valley. It's also where you'll find much of the city's cultural and political activity.
2. Fairgrounds
Fairgrounds is another dangerous neighborhood in San Jose, home to around 56,423 people. It's known for its higher-than-average crime rates, which are 109% higher than the national average. Despite safety concerns, the area is famous for hosting various events, including ski and snowboard festivals and cat shows, at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.
3. Rose Garden
Rose Garden, also known as Rosegarden, sits at number three on our list and is a historic district in Central San Jose. It's a peaceful and well-kept residential area, among the city's oldest neighborhoods.
However, crime rates here are 76% higher than the national average. Despite this, it boasts several cultural landmarks, notably the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, making it a charming and culturally rich part of the city.
4. Buena Vista
Buena Vista, nestled between downtown San Jose and the Valley Fair & Santana Row areas, is next on our list of the most dangerous neighborhoods in San Jose. With a population of 1,704, its crime rates soar 62% higher than the national average. Living there, you face a 1 in 27 chance of falling victim to crime.
5. East San Jose
East San Jose, also known as ESSJ or The East Side, is another area in San Jose that you might want to steer clear of when visiting. Its crime rates are 33% higher than the national average.
Despite its safety concerns, East San Jose is home to notable landmarks like the historic Chicano/Mexican-American neighborhoods of Mayfair and King & Story, along with the Gurdwara Sahib of San Jose, which is the largest Sikh temple in the world outside of India.
6. Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa, founded in 1834, is now mostly known as a residential neighborhood in San Jose, with many Silicon Valley tech campuses situated there. However, it's also recognized as another dangerous area in the city. The crime rates in Santa Teresa are 32% higher than the national average, making it crucial for residents and visitors to take precautions while in the area.
7. Alum Rock
Alum Rock, once an independent town, joined San Jose back in the 1950s. This neighborhood is famous for its Chicano/Mexican-American culture and history. Despite its charm, Alum Rock is one of the worst neighborhoods in San Jose due to its high crime rates which are about 27% higher than the national average. However, it's also home to Alum Rock Park, California's oldest city park, offering a scenic retreat amidst the urban landscape.
8. North Valley
North Valley, also known as the Berryessa District, is home to around 1,356 people in San Jose. However, it's considered another area to avoid due to its higher crime rates, which are 23% above the national average. The average individual income in North Valley is $47,360, significantly lower than the San Jose average.
9. Willow Glen
Willow Glen, the penultimate neighborhood on our list, used to be an independent town until it joined San Jose in 1936. It's famous for its old-style downtown, where you can find great places to eat and shop.
However, it's important to note that crime rates here are 19% higher than the national average, which might affect its reputation for safety. Despite this, it's still considered one of the priciest places to live in San Jose, attracting those who value its charm and amenities.
10. Edenvale-Seven Trees
Edenvale-Seven Trees wraps up our list of most dangerous neighborhoods in San Jose. The area has crime rates that are slightly above the national average.The neighborhood has a population of 21,359 and a median household income of $58,571, which is lower than the San Jose average of $136,010. Edenvale-Seven Trees is also known for its many affordable dining options.