Santa Margarita Heights Neighborhood, Riverside
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Riverside
Is Santa Margarita Heights Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Santa Margarita Heights in Riverside, CA has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 165, which is 65% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Riverside average (crime index 84), Santa Margarita Heights is 81% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 183, 83% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 39). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Santa Margarita Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Riverside city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
151 | +51% | High | |
|
Assault
|
162 | +62% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
39 | -61% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
183 | +83% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
170 | +70% | High | |
How Santa Margarita Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Santa Margarita Heights vs Riverside average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Santa Margarita 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
Santa Margarita Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Santa Margarita Heights, Riverside?
Santa Margarita Heights in Riverside, CA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 165, which is 65% above the national average. Compared to the Riverside average, crime in Santa Margarita Heights is 81% higher.
Is Santa Margarita Heights a safe neighborhood in Riverside?
Santa Margarita Heights has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Rape (index: 183), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 39).
How does Santa Margarita Heights compare to the rest of Riverside?
Santa Margarita Heights's overall crime index is 165, compared to the Riverside average of 84. This means crime in Santa Margarita Heights is 81% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 134, and for property crime it is 107. 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 Santa Margarita Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Santa Margarita Heights is Rape, with a crime index of 183 (83% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Santa Margarita Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Casa Blanca, Hawarden Hills, Presidential Park and Ramona - Riverside. These areas are close to Santa Margarita Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Santa Margarita Heights?
Santa Margarita Heights has a population of approximately 71. The median household income is $45,000. The median home value is $447,406. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Santa Margarita Heights crime compare to the national average?
Santa Margarita Heights's overall crime rate is 65% above the national average (index 165 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.