Alta Mesa Neighborhood, Santa Barbara
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Barbara
Is Alta Mesa Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Alta Mesa in Santa Barbara, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 109, which is 9% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Barbara average (crime index 114), Alta Mesa is 5% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 134, 34% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 80).
Alta Mesa Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Santa Barbara city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
How Alta Mesa Compares
Crime index by category: Alta Mesa vs Santa Barbara average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Alta Mesa Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Alta Mesa Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Alta Mesa, Santa Barbara?
Alta Mesa in Santa Barbara, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 109, which is 9% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Barbara average, crime in Alta Mesa is 5% lower.
Is Alta Mesa a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara?
Alta Mesa is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 134), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 80).
How does Alta Mesa compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?
Alta Mesa's overall crime index is 109, compared to the Santa Barbara average of 114. This means crime in Alta Mesa is 5% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 112, 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 Alta Mesa?
The most prevalent crime type in Alta Mesa is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 134 (34% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Alta Mesa?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Mesa, West Side, Bel Air and West Beach. These areas are close to Alta Mesa and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Alta Mesa?
Alta Mesa has a population of approximately 4,626. The median household income is $113,895. The median home value is $1,450,520. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Alta Mesa crime compare to the national average?
Alta Mesa's overall crime rate is 9% above the national average (index 109 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.