West Side Neighborhood, Santa Barbara
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 15% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Barbara
Is West Side Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. West Side in Santa Barbara, CA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 110, which is 10% above the national average of 100. West Side is safer than 15% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Compared to the Santa Barbara average (crime index 114), West Side is 4% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 127, 27% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 64).
West Side 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
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
How West Side Compares
Crime index by category: West Side vs Santa Barbara average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West Side 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 Side Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West Side, Santa Barbara?
West Side in Santa Barbara, CA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 110, which is 10% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Barbara average, crime in West Side is 4% lower. West Side is safer than 15% of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Is West Side a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara?
West Side is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Barbara, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 127), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 64).
How does West Side compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?
West Side's overall crime index is 110, compared to the Santa Barbara average of 114. This means crime in West Side is 4% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 99, and for property crime it is 102. 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 Side?
The most prevalent crime type in West Side is Murder, with a crime index of 127 (27% 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 Side?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Mesa, Downtown, Bel Air and West Beach. These areas are close to West Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West Side?
West Side has a population of approximately 15,555. The median household income is $67,343. The median home value is $1,127,133. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West Side crime compare to the national average?
West Side's overall crime rate is 10% above the national average (index 110 vs 100). Within Santa Barbara, it is safer than 15% 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.