Bethel Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Cruz
Is Bethel Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Bethel in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 59, which is 41% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Bethel is 66% 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, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 85, 15% below average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 11).
Bethel 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
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
85 | -15% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
13 | -87% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
11 | -89% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
50 | -50% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
48 | -52% | Low | |
How Bethel Compares
Crime index by category: Bethel vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Bethel Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Bethel Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Bethel, Santa Cruz?
Bethel in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 59, which is 41% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Bethel is 66% lower.
Is Bethel a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Bethel is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 85), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 11).
How does Bethel compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Bethel's overall crime index is 59, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Bethel is 66% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 51, and for property crime it is 36. 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 Bethel?
The most prevalent crime type in Bethel is Assault, with a crime index of 85 (15% below the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Bethel?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Prospect Heights, Banana Belt, Arana Gulch and DeLaveaga Park. These areas are close to Bethel and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Bethel?
Bethel has a population of approximately 12. The median household income is $86,980. The median home value is $1,191,531. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Bethel crime compare to the national average?
Bethel's overall crime rate is 41% below the national average (index 59 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.