Montecito Neighborhood, Santa Barbara
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 60% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Barbara
Is Montecito Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Montecito in Santa Barbara, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 127, which is 27% above the national average of 100. Montecito is safer than 60% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Compared to the Santa Barbara average (crime index 114), Montecito is 13% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 152, 52% above average), while vehicle theft is the lowest risk (index: 59). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Montecito 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
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
152 | +52% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
60 | -40% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
How Montecito Compares
Crime index by category: Montecito vs Santa Barbara average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Montecito Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Montecito Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Montecito, Santa Barbara?
Montecito in Santa Barbara, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 127, which is 27% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Barbara average, crime in Montecito is 13% higher. Montecito is safer than 60% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Is Montecito a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara?
Montecito is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 152), while Vehicle Theft is the lowest risk (index: 59).
How does Montecito compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?
Montecito's overall crime index is 127, compared to the Santa Barbara average of 114. This means crime in Montecito is 13% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 103, and for property crime it is 68. 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 Montecito?
The most prevalent crime type in Montecito is Assault, with a crime index of 152 (52% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Montecito?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Coast Village, Butterfly Beach, Summerland and Eastside. These areas are close to Montecito and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Montecito?
Montecito has a population of approximately 10,122. The median household income is $127,029. The median home value is $4,259,079. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Montecito crime compare to the national average?
Montecito's overall crime rate is 27% above the national average (index 127 vs 100). Within Santa Barbara, it is safer than 60% 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.