| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Santa Cruz/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,673 | n/a (estimate) | 4,336 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.6 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 38 | n/a | 61.6 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 122 | n/a | 197.9 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 286 | n/a | 463.9 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 447 | n/a (estimate) | 725 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 253 | n/a | 410.4 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,782 | n/a | 2,890.5 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 191 | n/a | 309.8 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 2,226 | n/a (estimate) | 3,611 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Santa Cruz is 86.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 447 violent crimes reported in Santa Cruz, equivalent to 725 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 96.1%. Additionally, Santa Cruz recorded 2226 property crimes, amounting to 3611 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 84.8%.
Having a crime rate of 4336 per 100,000 residents, Santa Cruz experiences a crime rate that is 86.55% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Santa Cruz contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Santa Cruz is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 725 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Santa Cruz is 1 in 138.
Every year, one in 28 people fall victim to a property crime in Santa Cruz - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3611 per 100,000 people, Santa Cruz has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Santa Cruz residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 113 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 27% of Santa Cruz residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 73% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Santa Cruz 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, Santa Cruz has an overall crime rate that is 87% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 7.32 daily occurrences, comprising 1.22 violent crimes and 6.1 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Santa Cruz as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Santa Cruz has increased by 5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Santa Cruz is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 44.7%, while property crime has increased by 0.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz has a population density of 5102.9 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Santa Cruz crime rates.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Santa Cruz, 91.9% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Santa Cruz, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.81 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Santa Cruz | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 110 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Pasatiempo, CA | 1,226 | 70 | 329 | 399 |
| Corralitos, CA | 2,260 | 78 | 368 | 446 |
| Lexington Hills, CA | 2,656 | 78 | 368 | 446 |
| La Selva Beach, CA | 2,544 | 78 | 368 | 446 |
| Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, CA | 1,397 | 86 | 404 | 490 |
| Bonny Doon, CA | 2,962 | 95 | 446 | 542 |
| Day Valley, CA | 3,414 | 95 | 446 | 542 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | 65,011 | 725 | 3,611 | 4,336 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Harlingen, TX | 65,028 | 323 | 2,823 | 3,147 |
| Wellington, FL | 64,990 | 129 | 988 | 1,117 |
| Blaine, MN | 65,048 | 108 | 1,915 | 2,023 |
| Laguna Niguel, CA | 65,048 | 95 | 1,045 | 1,140 |
| Bethesda, MD | 65,092 | 183 | 752 | 935 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | 65,011 | 725 | 3,611 | 4,336 |
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