Central Park Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Cruz
Is Central Park Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Central Park in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 195, which is 95% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Central Park is 70% 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: 197, 97% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 161).
Central Park 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
|
197 | +97% | High | |
|
Assault
|
193 | +93% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Rape
|
196 | +96% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
161 | +61% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
197 | +97% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
197 | +97% | High | |
How Central Park Compares
Crime index by category: Central Park vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central Park Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Central Park Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central Park, Santa Cruz?
Central Park in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 195, which is 95% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Central Park is 70% higher.
Is Central Park a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Central Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 197), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 161).
How does Central Park compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Central Park's overall crime index is 195, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Central Park is 70% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 196, and for property crime it is 185. 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 Central Park?
The most prevalent crime type in Central Park is Murder, with a crime index of 197 (97% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Central Park?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Branciforte Drive, Water Street Corridor, San Lorenzo Park and Soquel Avenue Corridor. These areas are close to Central Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central Park?
Central Park has a population of approximately 112. The median household income is $36,974. The median home value is $885,242. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central Park crime compare to the national average?
Central Park's overall crime rate is 95% above the national average (index 195 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.