West Mesa Neighborhood, Santa Barbara
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Barbara
Is West Mesa Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. West Mesa in Santa Barbara, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 55, which is 45% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Barbara average (crime index 114), West Mesa is 59% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Santa Barbara as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 120, 20% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 35).
West 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
|
51 | -49% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
38 | -62% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
35 | -65% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
44 | -56% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
How West Mesa Compares
Crime index by category: West Mesa vs Santa Barbara average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West 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
West Mesa Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West Mesa, Santa Barbara?
West Mesa in Santa Barbara, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 55, which is 45% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Barbara average, crime in West Mesa is 59% lower.
Is West Mesa a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara?
West Mesa is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 120), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 35).
How does West Mesa compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?
West Mesa's overall crime index is 55, compared to the Santa Barbara average of 114. This means crime in West Mesa is 59% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 61, and for property crime it is 58. 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 Mesa?
The most prevalent crime type in West Mesa is Assault, with a crime index of 120 (20% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near West Mesa?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Mesa, Bel Air, West Side and Las Positas. These areas are close to West Mesa and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West Mesa?
West Mesa has a population of approximately 2,534. The median household income is $114,416. The median home value is $1,596,309. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West Mesa crime compare to the national average?
West Mesa's overall crime rate is 45% below the national average (index 55 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.