Bayona Heights Neighborhood, Santa Cruz

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low

Low 77 / 300 High

Violent Crime 158

58% above national avg

Property Crime 186

86% above national avg

Check a specific address

in Santa Cruz

Is Bayona Heights Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Bayona Heights in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 77, which is 23% below the national average of 100.

Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Bayona Heights is 48% 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, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 195, 95% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 138). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk

Burglary · Index 195 (95% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Assault · Index 138 (38% above avg)

Bayona Heights Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Santa Cruz city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Santa Cruz	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	162	+62%	+23%	High
Assault	138	+38%	+3%	Moderate
Robbery	192	+92%	+45%	High
Rape	139	+39%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	195	+95%	+75%	High
Larceny / Theft	191	+91%	+38%	High
Vehicle Theft	173	+73%	+32%	High

How Bayona Heights Compares

Crime index by category: Bayona Heights vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Bayona Heights Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Bayona Heights Demographics & Context

Population

168

Median Income

$126,695

Home Value

$1,555,439

Median Age

Pop. Density

7,750/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 21.5%

Graduate Degree 38%

Housing

62%

38%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 65.5%

Black 1.9%

Hispanic 11.1%

Asian 20.1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

King Street Index: 76

A-

Western Drive / Nobel Index: 105

Mission Street Corridor Index: 96

B+

California Street / Mission Hill Index: 114

B+

Westlake Index: 71

A-

Neary Lagoon Index: 168

C+

Moore Creek Upland Open Space Index: 170

B-

Lighthouse / The Circles Index: 116

Bayona Heights Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Santa Cruz Crime Statistics

View all Santa Cruz neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Bayona Heights, Santa Cruz?

Bayona Heights in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 77, which is 23% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Bayona Heights is 48% lower.

Is Bayona Heights a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?

Bayona Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 195), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 138).

How does Bayona Heights compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?

Bayona Heights's overall crime index is 77, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Bayona Heights is 48% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 158, and for property crime it is 186. 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 Bayona Heights?

The most prevalent crime type in Bayona Heights is Burglary, with a crime index of 195 (95% 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 Bayona Heights?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include King Street, Western Drive / Nobel, Mission Street Corridor and California Street / Mission Hill. These areas are close to Bayona Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Bayona Heights?

Bayona Heights has a population of approximately 168. The median household income is $126,695. The median home value is $1,555,439. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Bayona Heights crime compare to the national average?

Bayona Heights's overall crime rate is 23% below the national average (index 77 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.