Upper State Neighborhood, Santa Barbara
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 40% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Barbara
Is Upper State Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Upper State in Santa Barbara, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 107, which is 7% above the national average of 100. Upper State is safer than 40% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Compared to the Santa Barbara average (crime index 114), Upper State is 7% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 149, 49% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 67).
Upper State 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
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
89 | -11% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
How Upper State Compares
Crime index by category: Upper State vs Santa Barbara average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Upper State Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Upper State Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Upper State, Santa Barbara?
Upper State in Santa Barbara, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 107, which is 7% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Barbara average, crime in Upper State is 7% lower. Upper State is safer than 40% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Is Upper State a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara?
Upper State is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 149), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 67).
How does Upper State compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?
Upper State's overall crime index is 107, compared to the Santa Barbara average of 114. This means crime in Upper State is 7% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 105, and for property crime it is 90. 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 Upper State?
The most prevalent crime type in Upper State is Assault, with a crime index of 149 (49% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Upper State?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Foothill, Las Positas, Bel Air and Downtown. These areas are close to Upper State and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Upper State?
Upper State has a population of approximately 14,725. The median household income is $98,824. The median home value is $1,441,199. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Upper State crime compare to the national average?
Upper State's overall crime rate is 7% above the national average (index 107 vs 100). Within Santa Barbara, it is safer than 40% 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.