Highland Estates 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 Highland Estates Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Highland Estates in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 69, which is 31% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Highland Estates is 56% 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, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 160, 60% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 90).
Highland Estates 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
|
112 | +12% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
155 | +55% | High | |
|
Rape
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
136 | +36% | Moderate | |
How Highland Estates Compares
Crime index by category: Highland Estates vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Highland Estates Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Highland Estates Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Highland Estates, Santa Cruz?
Highland Estates in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 69, which is 31% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Highland Estates is 56% lower.
Is Highland Estates a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Highland Estates is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 160), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 90).
How does Highland Estates compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Highland Estates's overall crime index is 69, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Highland Estates is 56% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 128, and for property crime it is 129. 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 Highland Estates?
The most prevalent crime type in Highland Estates is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 160 (60% 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 Highland Estates?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Westlake, River Street District, Harvey West District and California Street / Mission Hill. These areas are close to Highland Estates and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Highland Estates?
Highland Estates has a population of approximately 80. The median household income is $157,692. The median home value is $1,545,047. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Highland Estates crime compare to the national average?
Highland Estates's overall crime rate is 31% below the national average (index 69 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.