Mission Gardens Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Summary: Mission Gardens, Santa Cruz Crime Rate (2026)
Mission Gardens in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 89, which is 11% below the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 21, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Cruz
Is Mission Gardens Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Mission Gardens in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 89, which is 11% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Mission Gardens is 36% 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, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 189, 89% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 132).
Mission Gardens 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
|
163 | +63% | High | |
|
Assault
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
189 | +89% | High | |
|
Rape
|
143 | +43% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
165 | +65% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
170 | +70% | High | |
How Mission Gardens Compares
Crime index by category: Mission Gardens vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Mission Gardens Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Mission Gardens Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Mission Gardens, Santa Cruz?
Mission Gardens in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 89, which is 11% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Mission Gardens is 36% lower.
Is Mission Gardens a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Mission Gardens is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 189), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 132).
How does Mission Gardens compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Mission Gardens's overall crime index is 89, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Mission Gardens is 36% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 157, and for property crime it is 174. 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 Mission Gardens?
The most prevalent crime type in Mission Gardens is Robbery, with a crime index of 189 (89% 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 Mission Gardens?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Western Drive / Nobel, King Street, Westside Industrial District and Natural Bridges State Beach. These areas are close to Mission Gardens and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Mission Gardens?
Mission Gardens has a population of approximately 159. The median household income is $117,702. The median home value is $968,576. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Mission Gardens crime compare to the national average?
Mission Gardens's overall crime rate is 11% below the national average (index 89 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 May 2026.