Lower Westside Neighborhood, Santa Barbara
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Barbara
Is Lower Westside Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Lower Westside in Santa Barbara, CA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 104, which is 4% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Barbara average (crime index 114), Lower Westside is 10% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 147, 47% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 71).
Lower Westside 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
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
93 | -7% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
126 | +26% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
How Lower Westside Compares
Crime index by category: Lower Westside vs Santa Barbara average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Lower Westside 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 Westside Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Lower Westside, Santa Barbara?
Lower Westside in Santa Barbara, CA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 104, which is 4% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Barbara average, crime in Lower Westside is 10% lower.
Is Lower Westside a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara?
Lower Westside is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 147), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 71).
How does Lower Westside compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?
Lower Westside's overall crime index is 104, compared to the Santa Barbara average of 114. This means crime in Lower Westside is 10% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 113, and for property crime it is 115. 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 Westside?
The most prevalent crime type in Lower Westside is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 147 (47% 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 Lower Westside?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include West Beach, Waterfront, Mesa and West Side. These areas are close to Lower Westside and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Lower Westside?
Lower Westside has a population of approximately 5,003. The median household income is $61,041. The median home value is $952,465. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Lower Westside crime compare to the national average?
Lower Westside's overall crime rate is 4% above the national average (index 104 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.