El Capitan Heights Neighborhood, Merced
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Merced
Is El Capitan Heights Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. El Capitan Heights in Merced, CA has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 160, which is 60% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Merced average (crime index 65), El Capitan Heights is 95% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 187, 87% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 76). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
El Capitan Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Merced city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
174 | +74% | High | |
|
Assault
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Rape
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
187 | +87% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
165 | +65% | High | |
How El Capitan Heights Compares
Crime index by category: El Capitan Heights vs Merced average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
El Capitan Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
El Capitan Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in El Capitan Heights, Merced?
El Capitan Heights in Merced, CA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 160, which is 60% above the national average. Compared to the Merced average, crime in El Capitan Heights is 95% higher.
Is El Capitan Heights a safe neighborhood in Merced?
El Capitan Heights has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 187), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 76).
How does El Capitan Heights compare to the rest of Merced?
El Capitan Heights's overall crime index is 160, compared to the Merced average of 65. This means crime in El Capitan Heights is 95% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 141, and for property crime it is 166. 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 El Capitan Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in El Capitan Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 187 (87% 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 El Capitan Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Bellevue Ranch Village. These areas are close to El Capitan Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of El Capitan Heights?
El Capitan Heights has a population of approximately 693. The median household income is $33,595. The median home value is $341,370. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does El Capitan Heights crime compare to the national average?
El Capitan Heights's overall crime rate is 60% above the national average (index 160 vs 100). 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.