Briarwood Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Santa Cruz
Is Briarwood Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Briarwood in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 161, which is 61% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Briarwood is 36% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 148, 48% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 41). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Briarwood 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
|
136 | +36% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
43 | -57% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
41 | -59% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
115 | +15% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
How Briarwood Compares
Crime index by category: Briarwood vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Briarwood Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Briarwood Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Briarwood, Santa Cruz?
Briarwood in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 161, which is 61% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Briarwood is 36% higher.
Is Briarwood a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Briarwood is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 148), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 41).
How does Briarwood compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Briarwood's overall crime index is 161, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Briarwood is 36% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 89, and for property crime it is 114. 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 Briarwood?
The most prevalent crime type in Briarwood is Burglary, with a crime index of 148 (48% 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 Briarwood?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beltz Haven, The Breakers, Arana Gulch and Lower Seabright. These areas are close to Briarwood and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Briarwood?
Briarwood has a population of approximately 57. The median household income is $72,741. The median home value is $917,875. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Briarwood crime compare to the national average?
Briarwood's overall crime rate is 61% above the national average (index 161 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.