Banana Belt Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 61% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Cruz
Is Banana Belt Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Banana Belt in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 84, which is 16% below the national average of 100. Banana Belt is safer than 61% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Banana Belt is 41% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Santa Cruz as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 138, 38% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 69).
Banana Belt Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Santa Cruz city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
101 | +1% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
69 | -31% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
How Banana Belt Compares
Crime index by category: Banana Belt vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Banana Belt Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Banana Belt Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Banana Belt, Santa Cruz?
Banana Belt in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 84, which is 16% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Banana Belt is 41% lower. Banana Belt is safer than 61% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.
Is Banana Belt a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Banana Belt is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 138), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 69).
How does Banana Belt compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Banana Belt's overall crime index is 84, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Banana Belt is 41% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 94, and for property crime it is 110. 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 Banana Belt?
The most prevalent crime type in Banana Belt is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 138 (38% 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 Banana Belt?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Prospect Heights, Soquel Avenue Corridor, Branciforte Drive and Arana Gulch. These areas are close to Banana Belt and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Banana Belt?
Banana Belt has a population of approximately 5,294. The median household income is $87,779. The median home value is $979,216. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Banana Belt crime compare to the national average?
Banana Belt's overall crime rate is 16% below the national average (index 84 vs 100). Within Santa Cruz, it is safer than 61% 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.