Isla Vista Neighborhood, Goleta
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Goleta
Safety at a Glance
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in Goleta
Is Isla Vista Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Isla Vista in Goleta, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 138, which is 38% above the national average of 100. Isla Vista is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Goleta.
Compared to the Goleta average (crime index 93), Isla Vista is 45% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 198, 98% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 140).
Isla Vista Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Goleta city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
191 | +91% | High | |
|
Assault
|
140 | +40% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
198 | +98% | High | |
|
Rape
|
187 | +87% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
174 | +74% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
197 | +97% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
192 | +92% | High | |
How Isla Vista Compares
Crime index by category: Isla Vista vs Goleta average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Isla Vista Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Isla Vista Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Isla Vista, Goleta?
Isla Vista in Goleta, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 138, which is 38% above the national average. Compared to the Goleta average, crime in Isla Vista is 45% higher. Isla Vista is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Goleta.
Is Isla Vista a safe neighborhood in Goleta?
Isla Vista is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Goleta, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 198), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 140). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Goleta.
How does Isla Vista compare to the rest of Goleta?
Isla Vista's overall crime index is 138, compared to the Goleta average of 93. This means crime in Isla Vista is 45% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 179, and for property crime it is 188. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Isla Vista?
The most prevalent crime type in Isla Vista is Robbery, with a crime index of 198 (98% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Isla Vista?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Goleta South, Goleta North and Gaviota Coast. These areas are close to Isla Vista and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Isla Vista?
Isla Vista has a population of approximately 14,182. The median household income is $26,343. The median home value is $1,311,500. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Isla Vista crime compare to the national average?
Isla Vista's overall crime rate is 38% above the national average (index 138 vs 100). Within Goleta, it is safer than 0% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.