Santa Clara, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Santa Clara, CA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 24% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 198 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 35 chance for property crime. Santa Clara has higher crime than 80% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Santa Clara has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 88% of the city's 8 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, North 101 is one of the safest areas, while Rivermark of Santa Clara has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Santa Clara is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Santa Clara are North 101, Santa Clara Southwest, Santa Clara North Central, Santa Clara South 101, and Santa Clara West Central. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Santa Clara include Rivermark of Santa Clara, Santa Clara East Central, Santa Clara Southeast, Santa Clara West Central, and Santa Clara South 101. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Santa Clara is 504.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 32% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 198 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 7.1 per 100K (42% above average); aggravated assault at 367.3 per 100K (37% above average); robbery at 100.2 per 100K (36% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Santa Clara is 2,828.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 54% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 35 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 258.3 per 100K (4% below average); larceny/theft at 2,125.1 per 100K (52% above average); vehicle theft at 445.1 per 100K (40% above average).

Santa Clara's overall crime rate is 24% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (52% above average), while rape is 12% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Santa Clara has higher crime than 80% of them.

Visitors to Santa Clara should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 54% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include North 101, Santa Clara Southwest, Santa Clara North Central.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Santa Clara's crime rate is 24% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Santa Clara, with an estimated rate of 2,125.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 52% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,829 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (504 per 100K) in Santa Clara, which is consistent with national trends.