Lower Eastside Neighborhood, Santa Barbara
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Summary: Lower Eastside, Santa Barbara Crime Rate (2026)
Lower Eastside, Santa Barbara, CA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is 47% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: October 31, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Barbara
Is Lower Eastside Safe?
Mixed — the grade is relative to other neighborhoods, but crime is above the national average. Lower Eastside in Santa Barbara, CA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 147, which is 47% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Barbara average (crime index 114), Lower Eastside is 33% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 158, 58% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 80).
Lower Eastside 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
|
158 | +58% | High | |
|
Assault
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
103 | +3% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
How Lower Eastside Compares
Crime index by category: Lower Eastside vs Santa Barbara average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Lower Eastside Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Lower Eastside Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Lower Eastside, Santa Barbara?
Lower Eastside in Santa Barbara, CA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 147, which is 47% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Barbara average, crime in Lower Eastside is 33% higher.
Is Lower Eastside a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara?
Lower Eastside has a mixed safety picture with a crime grade of B+, and an overall crime index 147 (47% above the national average). Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 158), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 80).
How does Lower Eastside compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?
Lower Eastside's overall crime index is 147, compared to the Santa Barbara average of 114. This means crime in Lower Eastside is 33% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 127, and for property crime it is 112. 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 Lower Eastside?
The most common crime type in Lower Eastside is Assault, with a crime index of 131 (31% above the national average). Homicide is the most elevated type versus the national average (index 158), not the most frequent crime. Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Lower Eastside?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Eastside, East Beach, Waterfront and West Beach. These areas are close to Lower Eastside and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Lower Eastside?
Lower Eastside has a population of approximately 1,747. The median household income is $40,739. The median home value is $1,127,620. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Lower Eastside crime compare to the national average?
Lower Eastside's overall crime rate is 47% above the national average (index 147 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 November 2026.