Goleta, CA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 58% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Goleta Safe?
Mostly yes — Goleta is fairly safe
Crime is slightly below the national average, though some areas may vary.
Goleta has a crime rate that is 27% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 359.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Goleta North earn an A safety grade, while Isla Vista rates B-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Goleta.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 359
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
27% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 78
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
30% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Goleta Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
68 | -32% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
65 | -35% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Goleta Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Goleta?
Safety varies dramatically across Goleta's 4+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 4Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 4Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 4 neighborhoods in Goleta
All Goleta Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goleta North | A | 37 |
| 2 | Gaviota Coast | A | 89 |
| 3 | Goleta South | A- | 107 |
| 4 | Isla Vista | B- | 138 |
Goleta Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Goleta zip codes.
Goleta Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Goleta, CA?
Goleta, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 27% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 359 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 78 chance for property crime. Goleta has lower crime than 58% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Goleta, CA safe to live in?
Goleta is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 100% of the city's 4 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Goleta North is one of the safest areas, while Isla Vista has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Goleta is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Goleta?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Goleta are Goleta North, Gaviota Coast, Goleta South, and Isla Vista. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Goleta?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Goleta include Isla Vista, Goleta South, Gaviota Coast, and Goleta North. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Goleta?
The estimated violent crime rate in Goleta is 278.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 27% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 359 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.5 per 100K (10% below average); aggravated assault at 179.4 per 100K (33% below average); robbery at 63.7 per 100K (14% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Goleta?
The estimated property crime rate in Goleta is 1,285.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 30% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 78 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 183.2 per 100K (32% below average); larceny/theft at 895.0 per 100K (36% below average); vehicle theft at 206.8 per 100K (35% below average).
How does Goleta crime compare to the national average?
Goleta's overall crime rate is 27% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (9% below average), while larceny/theft is 36% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Goleta has lower crime than 58% of them.
Is Goleta safe to visit?
Goleta is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 30% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Goleta North, Gaviota Coast, Goleta South.
How does Goleta crime compare to the rest of California?
California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Goleta's crime rate is 27% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.
What type of crime is most common in Goleta?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Goleta, with an estimated rate of 895.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 36% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,285 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (278 per 100K) in Goleta, which is consistent with national trends.