| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Goleta/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 579 | n/a (estimate) | 1,774 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 15.3 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 42.9 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 48 | n/a | 147.1 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 67 | n/a (estimate) | 205 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 67 | n/a | 205.3 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 420 | n/a | 1,287.1 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 25 | n/a | 76.6 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 512 | n/a (estimate) | 1,569 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Goleta is 16.3% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Goleta, there were 67 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 205 per 100,000 individuals, 42.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 512 property crimes, amounting to 1569 per 100,000 residents, 10.9% lower than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Goleta registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Goleta exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1569 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Goleta maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
AreaVibes surveyed 5 local residents in Goleta to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 80% of people answered that there was very little crime in Goleta and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 20% 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.
Is Goleta a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Goleta has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 16%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.59 daily incidents, encompassing 0.18 violent crimes and 1.4 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Goleta as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Goleta. 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 Goleta has decreased by 10%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 11.7%, while property crime has decreased by 12.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Goleta.
Goleta has a poverty rate of 9.6, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Goleta, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Goleta are $2,951, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
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 | Goleta | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Mission Canyon, CA | 2,752 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Santa Ynez, CA | 4,869 | 126 | 540 | 666 |
| Montecito, CA | 8,465 | 171 | 729 | 900 |
| Ballard, CA | 784 | 196 | 840 | 1,036 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 94,185 | 648 | 1,810 | 2,458 |
| Goleta, CA | 33,194 | 205 | 1,569 | 1,774 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Greer, SC | 33,190 | 344 | 1,728 | 2,072 |
| Spring Valley, NY | 33,202 | 480 | 2,174 | 2,654 |
| West Little River, FL | 33,229 | 331 | 1,759 | 2,090 |
| Bethel Park, PA | 33,158 | 59 | 631 | 690 |
| Westlake, OH | 33,231 | 29 | 649 | 679 |
| Goleta, CA | 33,194 | 205 | 1,569 | 1,774 |
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