Saratoga Neighborhood, Merced
Last updated: June 14, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Summary: Saratoga, Merced Crime Rate (2026)
Saratoga in Merced, CA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 185, which is 85% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: June 14, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Merced
Is Saratoga Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. Saratoga in Merced, CA has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 185, which is 85% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Merced average (crime index 65), Saratoga is 120% 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: 199, 99% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 164).
Saratoga 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
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Assault
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
198 | +98% | High | |
|
Rape
|
164 | +64% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
199 | +99% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
194 | +94% | High | |
How Saratoga Compares
Crime index by category: Saratoga vs Merced average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Saratoga Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Saratoga Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Saratoga, Merced?
Saratoga in Merced, CA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 185, which is 85% above the national average. Compared to the Merced average, crime in Saratoga is 120% higher.
Is Saratoga a safe neighborhood in Merced?
Saratoga has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 199), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 164).
How does Saratoga compare to the rest of Merced?
Saratoga's overall crime index is 185, compared to the Merced average of 65. This means crime in Saratoga is 120% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 186, and for property crime it is 191. 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 Saratoga?
The most prevalent crime type in Saratoga is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 199 (99% 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 Saratoga?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Bellevue Ranch Village. These areas are close to Saratoga and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Saratoga?
Saratoga has a population of approximately 36. The median household income is $21,058. The median home value is $250,000. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Saratoga crime compare to the national average?
Saratoga's overall crime rate is 85% above the national average (index 185 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 June 2026.