Brookside Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Cruz
Is Brookside Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Brookside in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 182, which is 82% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Brookside is 57% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 189, 89% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 128).
Brookside 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
|
189 | +89% | High | |
|
Assault
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Rape
|
184 | +84% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
188 | +88% | High | |
How Brookside Compares
Crime index by category: Brookside vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Brookside Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Brookside Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Brookside, Santa Cruz?
Brookside in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 182, which is 82% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Brookside is 57% higher.
Is Brookside a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Brookside has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 189), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 128).
How does Brookside compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Brookside's overall crime index is 182, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Brookside is 57% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 183, and for property crime it is 167. 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 Brookside?
The most prevalent crime type in Brookside is Murder, with a crime index of 189 (89% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Brookside?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Banana Belt, Tanner Heights, Soquel Avenue Corridor and Carbonera. These areas are close to Brookside and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Brookside?
Brookside has a population of approximately 135. The median household income is $51,956. The median home value is $765,619. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Brookside crime compare to the national average?
Brookside's overall crime rate is 82% above the national average (index 182 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.