Penitencia Neighborhood, San Jose
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 72% of neighborhoods in San Jose
Safety at a Glance
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in San Jose
Is Penitencia Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Penitencia in San Jose, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 20, which is 80% below the national average of 100. Penitencia is safer than 72% of neighborhoods in San Jose.
Compared to the San Jose average (crime index 86), Penitencia is 66% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than San Jose as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 132, 32% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 20). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Penitencia Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and San Jose city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
25 | -75% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
42 | -58% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
20 | -80% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
50 | -50% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
How Penitencia Compares
Crime index by category: Penitencia vs San Jose average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Penitencia Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Penitencia Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Penitencia, San Jose?
Penitencia in San Jose, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 20, which is 80% below the national average. Compared to the San Jose average, crime in Penitencia is 66% lower. Penitencia is safer than 72% of neighborhoods in San Jose.
Is Penitencia a safe neighborhood in San Jose?
Penitencia is generally considered a safe neighborhood in San Jose, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Rape (index: 132), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 20).
How does Penitencia compare to the rest of San Jose?
Penitencia's overall crime index is 20, compared to the San Jose average of 86. This means crime in Penitencia is 66% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 80, and for property crime it is 42. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Penitencia?
The most prevalent crime type in Penitencia is Rape, with a crime index of 132 (32% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Penitencia?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Summerdale, Mayglen / Little Rock, Cimarron and Gilchrist. These areas are close to Penitencia and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Penitencia?
Penitencia has a population of approximately 4,319. The median household income is $133,319. The median home value is $1,319,903. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Penitencia crime compare to the national average?
Penitencia's overall crime rate is 80% below the national average (index 20 vs 100). Within San Jose, it is safer than 72% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.