West Dowtown Neighborhood, Santa Barbara
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Barbara
Is West Dowtown Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. West Dowtown in Santa Barbara, CA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 164, which is 64% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Barbara average (crime index 114), West Dowtown is 50% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 167, 67% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 107).
West Dowtown 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
|
167 | +67% | High | |
|
Assault
|
152 | +52% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
167 | +67% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
163 | +63% | High | |
How West Dowtown Compares
Crime index by category: West Dowtown vs Santa Barbara average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West Dowtown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
West Dowtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West Dowtown, Santa Barbara?
West Dowtown in Santa Barbara, CA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 164, which is 64% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Barbara average, crime in West Dowtown is 50% higher.
Is West Dowtown a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara?
West Dowtown is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Murder (index: 167), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 107).
How does West Dowtown compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?
West Dowtown's overall crime index is 164, compared to the Santa Barbara average of 114. This means crime in West Dowtown is 50% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 142, and for property crime it is 146. 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 West Dowtown?
The most prevalent crime type in West Dowtown is Murder, with a crime index of 167 (67% 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 West Dowtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Downtown, West Side, West Beach and Waterfront. These areas are close to West Dowtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West Dowtown?
West Dowtown has a population of approximately 4,127. The median household income is $55,200. The median home value is $1,140,774. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West Dowtown crime compare to the national average?
West Dowtown's overall crime rate is 64% above the national average (index 164 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.