C+
10%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
15%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
9%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleScotts Valley/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime224n/a (estimate)1,9042,5642,119
Murder0n/a0.04.55.0
Rape5n/a42.536.637.5
Robbery4n/a34.0119.160.6
Assault27n/a229.5325.8256.1
Violent crime36n/a (estimate)306486359
Burglary9n/a76.5305.8229.2
Theft175n/a1,487.51,345.21,272.1
Vehicle theft4n/a34.0427.5258.8
Property crime188n/a (estimate)1,5982,0781,760

Scotts Valley crime map

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The Scotts Valley crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Scotts Valley as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Scotts Valley crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Scotts Valley crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Scotts Valley, CA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Scotts Valley is 10.2% 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 Scotts Valley, there were 36 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 306 per 100,000 individuals, 14.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 188 property crimes, amounting to 1598 per 100,000 residents, 9.2% lower than the U.S. average.

The Scotts Valley crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Scotts Valley, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

During the most recently reported crime year, Scotts Valley experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

Scotts Valley exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1598 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 Scotts Valley maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Scotts Valley?

What do the local residents think about crime in Scotts Valley? Well, based on a recent survey of 15 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 73% of Scotts Valley residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 27% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Scotts Valley a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Scotts Valley, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Scotts Valley presents a total crime rate that is 10% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Scotts Valley experiences an average of 0.61 daily crimes, comprising 0.1 violent incidents and 0.52 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Scotts Valley Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Scotts Valley has increased by 11.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Scotts Valley 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 125%, while property crime has increased by 1.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Scotts Valley.

Potential Causes for Crime in Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley has a poverty rate that stands at 5.5, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Scotts Valley crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Scotts Valley, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Scotts Valley is $1,468,783, compared to a national average of $326,622.

Compare Scotts Valley, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Scotts Valley crime rates are 10% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Scotts Valley are 15% lower than the national average
      • In Scotts Valley you have a 1 in 53 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Scotts Valley is safer than 31% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Scotts Valley has increased by 41%

      Scotts Valley, CA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Scotts Valley

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        How would you rate the amount of crime in Scotts Valley?
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        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Scotts Valley?
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        See all Scotts Valley poll results

        Daily Crime In Scotts Valley (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Scotts Valley, CA per 100,000 people. In Scotts Valley, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.35 times less than the California average and 1.11 times less than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Scotts Valley is 1.59 times less than the California average and 1.17 times less than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Scotts Valley has a daily crime rate that is 1.30 times less than the California average and 1.10 times less than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Scotts Valley (higher is better)

        Is Scotts Valley safe in comparison to other cities in the state of California as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Scotts Valley to other cities in the state and across the country, Scotts Valley is 54% safer than other cities of California and 31% safer than other cities in the nation. Scotts Valley has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Scotts Valley

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Scotts Valley is 1 in 327
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Scotts Valley is 1 in 63
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Scotts Valley is 1 in 53
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Scotts Valley? If you reside in Scotts Valley, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 327. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 63 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Scotts Valley, is 1 in 53.

        Year Over Year Crime In Scotts Valley (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Scotts Valley is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Scotts Valley violent crime rates have increased by 130%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 31% year over year. Total crimes for Scotts Valley has increased by 41% in the same time frame.

        Scotts Valley police department

        Item Scotts Valley California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)2751,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.33.63.3
        There are a total of 27 Scotts Valley police officers. This results in 2.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 36.5% less than the California average and 29.5% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Mount Hermon, CA1,42768292360
        Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, CA1,43368292360
        Pasatiempo, CA1,26068292360
        Brookdale, CA1,34572309381
        Bonny Doon, CA3,04276326402
        La Selva Beach, CA2,62076326402
        Lexington Hills, CA2,74576326402
        Scotts Valley, CA12,4943061,5981,904

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Home Gardens, CA12,4925462,3322,878
        Lake Tapps, WA12,4971249391,064
        Middle Valley, TN12,4984011,3781,779
        Laurel, FL12,504102541643
        Oak Grove, SC12,5044151,8672,282
        Scotts Valley, CA12,4943061,5981,904
        Source: The Scotts Valley, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.