| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Scotts Valley/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 224 | n/a (estimate) | 1,904 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 42.5 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 34.0 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 27 | n/a | 229.5 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 36 | n/a (estimate) | 306 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 76.5 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 175 | n/a | 1,487.5 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 34.0 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 188 | n/a (estimate) | 1,598 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

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 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.
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.
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.
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.

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| Item | Scotts Valley | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 27 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Mount Hermon, CA | 1,427 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, CA | 1,433 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Pasatiempo, CA | 1,260 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Brookdale, CA | 1,345 | 72 | 309 | 381 |
| Bonny Doon, CA | 3,042 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| La Selva Beach, CA | 2,620 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Lexington Hills, CA | 2,745 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Scotts Valley, CA | 12,494 | 306 | 1,598 | 1,904 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Home Gardens, CA | 12,492 | 546 | 2,332 | 2,878 |
| Lake Tapps, WA | 12,497 | 124 | 939 | 1,064 |
| Middle Valley, TN | 12,498 | 401 | 1,378 | 1,779 |
| Laurel, FL | 12,504 | 102 | 541 | 643 |
| Oak Grove, SC | 12,504 | 415 | 1,867 | 2,282 |
| Scotts Valley, CA | 12,494 | 306 | 1,598 | 1,904 |