Waterfront Neighborhood, Santa Barbara
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Barbara
Is Waterfront Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Waterfront in Santa Barbara, CA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 161, which is 61% above the national average of 100. Waterfront is safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Compared to the Santa Barbara average (crime index 114), Waterfront is 47% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 172, 72% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 44). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Waterfront 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
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
172 | +72% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
44 | -56% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
141 | +41% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
151 | +51% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
112 | +12% | Moderate | |
How Waterfront Compares
Crime index by category: Waterfront vs Santa Barbara average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Waterfront Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Waterfront Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Waterfront, Santa Barbara?
Waterfront in Santa Barbara, CA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 161, which is 61% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Barbara average, crime in Waterfront is 47% higher. Waterfront is safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Is Waterfront a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara?
Waterfront is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 172), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 44).
How does Waterfront compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?
Waterfront's overall crime index is 161, compared to the Santa Barbara average of 114. This means crime in Waterfront is 47% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 114, and for property crime it is 135. 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 Waterfront?
The most prevalent crime type in Waterfront is Assault, with a crime index of 172 (72% 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 Waterfront?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include West Beach, East Beach, Eastside and Mesa. These areas are close to Waterfront and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Waterfront?
Waterfront has a population of approximately 471. The median household income is $97,398. The median home value is $834,489. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Waterfront crime compare to the national average?
Waterfront's overall crime rate is 61% above the national average (index 161 vs 100). Within Santa Barbara, it is safer than 25% 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.