Downtown Neighborhood, Santa Barbara
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Barbara
Is Downtown Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Downtown in Santa Barbara, CA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 156, which is 56% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Compared to the Santa Barbara average (crime index 114), Downtown is 42% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 161, 61% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 84).
Downtown 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
|
156 | +56% | High | |
|
Assault
|
161 | +61% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
109 | +9% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
How Downtown Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown vs Santa Barbara average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Downtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown, Santa Barbara?
Downtown in Santa Barbara, CA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 156, which is 56% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Barbara average, crime in Downtown is 42% higher. Downtown is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara?
Downtown is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Assault (index: 161), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 84). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
How does Downtown compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?
Downtown's overall crime index is 156, compared to the Santa Barbara average of 114. This means crime in Downtown is 42% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 131, and for property crime it is 139. 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 Downtown?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown is Assault, with a crime index of 161 (61% 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 Downtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include West Side, Riviera, Mesa and West Beach. These areas are close to Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown?
Downtown has a population of approximately 21,119. The median household income is $69,480. The median home value is $1,337,609. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown crime compare to the national average?
Downtown's overall crime rate is 56% above the national average (index 156 vs 100). Within Santa Barbara, 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.