Mesa Neighborhood, Santa Barbara
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 45% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Barbara
Is Mesa Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Mesa in Santa Barbara, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 96, which is 4% below the national average of 100. Mesa is safer than 45% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Compared to the Santa Barbara average (crime index 114), Mesa is 18% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 137, 37% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 73).
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
|
98 | -2% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
88 | -12% | Average | |
How Mesa Compares
Crime index by category: Mesa vs Santa Barbara average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
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
Mesa Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Mesa, Santa Barbara?
Mesa in Santa Barbara, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 96, which is 4% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Barbara average, crime in Mesa is 18% lower. Mesa is safer than 45% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Is Mesa a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara?
Mesa is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 137), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 73).
How does Mesa compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?
Mesa's overall crime index is 96, compared to the Santa Barbara average of 114. This means crime in Mesa is 18% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 96, and for property crime it is 92. 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 Mesa?
The most prevalent crime type in Mesa is Assault, with a crime index of 137 (37% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Mesa?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include West Side, Bel Air, West Beach and Downtown. These areas are close to Mesa and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Mesa?
Mesa has a population of approximately 10,136. The median household income is $115,213. The median home value is $1,563,791. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Mesa crime compare to the national average?
Mesa's overall crime rate is 4% below the national average (index 96 vs 100). Within Santa Barbara, it is safer than 45% 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.