San Jose, CA, and Northeast Jefferson, CO, each offer unique lifestyles, from the hustle and bustle of booming tech industry in San Jose to the picturesque mountain settings in Colorado. Each area poses distinct advantages in terms of crime rate, cost of living, infrastructure, education opportunities, transit, tax regimes, culture and more. This in-depth comparison can assist both potential residents and visitors make an informed choice between the two locations. Let's compare these cities according to various lifeline categories.
San Jose is generally considered safer than Northeast Jefferson. While both cities have their share of crime, Northeast Jefferson has a higher crime rate compared with the US average. San Jose, however, is seeing improved safety statistics due to effective community police programs. Visitors would find that taking normal precautions such as traveling in groups at night and being aware of their surroundings would increase safety.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Jose is significantly higher than Northeast Jefferson. This is primarily driven by San Jose's housing costs, which are among the highest in the nation. Food, transportation, and healthcare are also more expensive in San Jose. Northeast Jefferson is more affordable but is slowly increasing due to people moving from other states for its quality of life.
Income Tax
California's income tax rates are among the highest in the U.S., affecting San Jose residents. Meanwhile, Colorado uses a flat income tax rate, which could be beneficial to individuals with higher incomes.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Northeast Jefferson are typically lower than in San Jose. The high property values in San Jose lead to considerable property tax bills, in spite of California’s relatively low property tax rates.
Sales Tax
San Jose has a higher sales tax compared to Northeast Jefferson, reflecting California's overall higher tax state as compared to Colorado. Both residents and tourists should factor this into their budgets when making purchases.
Income
Type
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$91,025
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$46,835
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
119.7
If you make $50,000 in Northeast Jefferson, you will have to make $53,216 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose is located in the Santa Clara Valley, with pleasant surroundings complemented by mountain views. Northeast Jefferson lies at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational activities.
Geographical information
Type
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
Land area
174.9 sq. miles
172.8 sq. miles
Population density
5,624.3 people per sq. mile
2,615.1 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
San Jose, CA Northeast Jefferson, CO
Education
While both regions have quality public and private schools, San Jose is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, including San Jose State University and Santa Clara University. Northeast Jefferson, although it does not have universities within it, is proximate to some great higher education institutions including Red Rocks Community College and the Colorado School of Mines a little further away.
San Jose, at the heart of Silicon Valley, boasts a resilient economy anchored by the tech industry. Northeast Jefferson, meanwhile, has a more diverse economy, with sectors such as healthcare, education, and retail dominating. San Jose generally offers higher wages, although Northeast Jefferson has opportunities for those in various industries.
Biggest Employers
In San Jose, the biggest employers are tech giants like Apple, Google, and Adobe. Northeast Jefferson's job market is dominated by the Jefferson County School District, Lakewood's city government, and the St. Anthony Hospital, among others.
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Northeast Jefferson (Jefferson County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 46.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
2020
72.7%
58.3%
25.2%
39.7%
2.1%
2.0%
2016
72.7%
49.2%
20.6%
42.3%
6.7%
8.6%
2012
70.0%
51.6%
27.1%
46.7%
2.9%
1.8%
2008
69.6%
54.0%
28.6%
44.9%
1.8%
1.1%
2004
64.3%
46.9%
34.8%
52.1%
0.9%
1.0%
2000
60.7%
43.0%
34.4%
51.1%
4.9%
5.9%
1996
56.9%
42.7%
32.2%
48.4%
11.0%
8.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
15.0%
6.0%
5.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
0.1%
1.8%
0.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
1.2%
7.7%
7.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
2.3%
2.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.6%
2.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
1.7%
2.3%
4.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
1.1%
1.4%
3.3%
Weather
The weather in San Jose and Northeast Jefferson is markedly different. San Jose offers a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, ideal for individuals who prefer predictable and pleasant weather. On the other hand, Northeast Jefferson experiences a wide range of weather due to its high-altitude location, from freezing winters that appeal to winter sports enthusiasts to pleasant summers perfect for hiking and biking.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
47.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
17.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
64%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Northeast Jefferson, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
Northeast Jefferson
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
2018
94
104
0.49
0.40
14.5
22.3
22.2
34.9
0.006
N/A
29.2
N/A
12.5
8.4
0.2
0.7
2017
91
97
0.50
0.40
14.6
22.5
23.5
34.5
0.004
N/A
22.0
N/A
10.2
8.2
0.2
0.8
2016
69
90
0.47
0.44
13.7
24.4
22.4
34.3
0.003
N/A
22.6
N/A
8.8
7.8
0.2
1.0
2015
84
101
0.52
0.45
15.4
24.1
22.3
32.8
0.004
N/A
21.0
N/A
9.2
9.5
0.3
1.0
2014
83
94
0.40
0.45
13.9
23.4
21.5
33.1
0.004
N/A
25.0
N/A
8.2
10.1
0.2
1.3
2013
90
84
0.41
0.40
15.2
21.0
20.8
33.6
0.005
N/A
24.3
N/A
12.4
N/A
0.3
1.5
2012
74
91
0.35
0.34
13.3
18.9
21.8
33.4
0.003
N/A
24.4
N/A
10.1
N/A
0.3
1.3
2011
83
90
0.37
0.34
14.8
18.1
20.6
32.0
0.003
N/A
23.8
N/A
12.3
N/A
0.3
1.5
2010
88
79
0.35
0.42
14.4
16.3
20.4
29.2
0.004
N/A
26.5
N/A
9.0
N/A
0.4
1.0
2009
89
76
0.40
0.38
14.7
14.1
18.2
27.9
0.004
0.005
22.5
N/A
9.3
N/A
0.3
1.3
2008
100
85
0.45
0.42
16.7
17.3
20.6
30.8
N/A
0.008
25.5
N/A
12.6
N/A
N/A
1.6
2007
92
96
0.44
0.39
16.6
20.6
20.0
29.0
0.009
0.007
29.1
N/A
11.1
N/A
N/A
1.2
2006
100
89
0.46
0.46
18.0
19.0
21.8
29.5
N/A
0.027
28.0
N/A
11.1
N/A
N/A
1.4
2005
95
86
0.68
0.51
18.6
21.3
20.0
26.0
N/A
0.119
29.6
N/A
11.6
N/A
N/A
1.5
2004
98
82
0.63
0.53
18.5
21.2
20.4
24.2
N/A
0.043
28.6
N/A
9.9
N/A
N/A
1.8
2003
87
106
0.73
0.52
20.6
21.2
19.1
25.9
N/A
0.046
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
2002
78
86
0.65
0.60
19.5
19.2
18.0
25.6
0.006
0.031
35.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
2001
75
95
0.61
0.69
18.5
20.8
16.8
23.7
0.008
0.034
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
2000
65
94
0.66
0.70
18.9
11.7
15.6
24.5
0.009
0.037
12.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
118.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
826.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
12%
Transportation
San Jose has a robust public transportation system, including the VTA light rail and buses, Caltrain, and multiple freeways for easy commuting. Northeast Jefferson relies on road networks and is also close to Denver's Light Rail System.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
553
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
Bicycle
1%
0.3%
Bus
1.1%
3.2%
Carpooled
11.4%
10%
Car alone
80.5%
80.3%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Walked
3.3%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
Average
29.2 min
26.6 min
Real Estate
Real estate in San Jose is highly desirable, leading to exceptionally high prices. Homes close to the tech clusters are especially expensive. In comparison, Northeast Jefferson offers a more affordable, although rising, real estate market, with a variety of housing options from single-family homes to apartments.
Neighborhoods
San Jose provides a mix of residential neighborhoods, from the upscale homes of Willow Glen and Silver Creek to the more affordable, diverse areas like East San Jose. Northeast Jefferson consists of suburban neighborhoods with scenic views, providing an idyllic, tranquil living environment.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
Houses
340,561
180,978
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.4
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
176,726 (97.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
125,208 (70.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
51,518 (29.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$1,659
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$884,573
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$522,903
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
7.3
Renting percentage
41.5%
31.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
1,047.5
Household income disparities
38.3%
40.7%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
21,689 (19.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
469 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
90,716 (80.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
9,124 (8.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
16,287 (14.5%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
15,916
State government workers
10,222
7,028
Unpaid family workers
472
382
Industries and Occupations
The industries in San Jose are primarily tech-based, with many residents working in software development, IT, and engineering positions. Northeast Jefferson has a diverse job market, with jobs in health care, education, and professional services. The area's proximity to Denver also provides additional job opportunities in various industries.
San Jose provides excellent medical services through several advanced hospitals such as the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and Stanford Hospital. Northeast Jefferson has the high-quality St. Anthony Hospital serving its residents.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in San Jose is more developed due to its larger population and longer history. It includes multiple highways, an international airport, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and several shopping centers. Northeast Jefferson's infrastructure, while not as extensive, is well-maintained and appropriate for its size and the nature of the community.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Northeast Jefferson
TV stations
9
19
Culture and Food
San Jose boasts a diverse food scene and rich cultural blend, with influence from its large immigrant community. It also hosts a sizeable art scene with museums, galleries, and theaters. Northeast Jefferson has a more relaxed culture with a focus on outdoor activities. The food scene includes traditional American cuisine alongside a few ethnic food options.
Sports Teams
San Jose has the Sharks for hockey fans and the Earthquakes for soccer enthusiasts. Northeast Jefferson does not have major professional sports teams within its city, but the Denver Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, and Avalanche are a short drive away.
San Jose, CA
Northeast Jefferson, CO
San Jose, CA and 
Northeast Jefferson, CO : 920.3 miles
