| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Goleta/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 584 | n/a (estimate) | 1,774 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 3.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 12.1 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 27.3 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 35 | n/a | 106.3 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 49 | n/a (estimate) | 149 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 88 | n/a | 267.2 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 415 | n/a | 1,260.3 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 32 | n/a | 97.2 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 535 | n/a (estimate) | 1,625 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
The Goleta crime rates are 23.7% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 49 violent crimes in Goleta (149 per 100,000 people), which is 59.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 535 property crimes (1625 per 100,000 residents) which is 16.9% lower than average.
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 24%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.6 daily incidents, encompassing 0.13 violent crimes and 1.47 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 9.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 18.3%, while property crime has decreased by 8.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Goleta.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Goleta crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Goleta has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
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 Goleta, 86.2% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Goleta, the cost of living is 69.53% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
| 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 | 2,649 | 78 | 368 | 446 |
| Santa Ynez, CA | 4,728 | 130 | 609 | 738 |
| Montecito, CA | 8,210 | 175 | 822 | 998 |
| Ballard, CA | 764 | 202 | 947 | 1,149 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 90,911 | 455 | 2,044 | 2,500 |
| Isla Vista, CA | 15,733 | 715 | 3,351 | 4,066 |
| Goleta, CA | 32,142 | 149 | 1,625 | 1,774 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Westlake, OH | 32,154 | 42 | 418 | 459 |
| Dania Beach, FL | 32,125 | 294 | 1,776 | 2,069 |
| Statesboro, GA | 32,115 | 304 | 2,182 | 2,486 |
| Weatherford, TX | 32,110 | 196 | 1,712 | 1,908 |
| Lake Magdalene, FL | 32,180 | 213 | 1,288 | 1,501 |
| Goleta, CA | 32,142 | 149 | 1,625 | 1,774 |
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