Cliff Drive 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 Cliff Drive Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 132, which is 32% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Cliff Drive is 7% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 165, 65% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 106).
Cliff Drive 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
|
139 | +39% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
121 | +21% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
159 | +59% | High | |
|
Rape
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
165 | +65% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
How Cliff Drive Compares
Crime index by category: Cliff Drive vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Cliff Drive Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Cliff Drive Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz?
Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 132, which is 32% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Cliff Drive is 7% higher.
Is Cliff Drive a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Cliff Drive is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 165), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 106).
How does Cliff Drive compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Cliff Drive's overall crime index is 132, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Cliff Drive is 7% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 138, and for property crime it is 128. 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 Cliff Drive?
The most prevalent crime type in Cliff Drive is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 165 (65% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Cliff Drive?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Natural Bridges State Beach, Lighthouse / The Circles, Westside Industrial District and Lighthouse Field State Beach. These areas are close to Cliff Drive and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Cliff Drive?
Cliff Drive has a population of approximately 319. The median household income is $135,480. The median home value is $1,369,439. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Cliff Drive crime compare to the national average?
Cliff Drive's overall crime rate is 32% above the national average (index 132 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.