Pacific West Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Santa Cruz
Is Pacific West Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Pacific West in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 46, which is 54% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Pacific West is 79% 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, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 53, 47% below average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 11).
Pacific West 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
|
53 | -47% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
31 | -69% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
15 | -85% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
45 | -55% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
11 | -89% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
36 | -64% | Low | |
How Pacific West Compares
Crime index by category: Pacific West vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Pacific West Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Pacific West Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Pacific West, Santa Cruz?
Pacific West in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 46, which is 54% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Pacific West is 79% lower.
Is Pacific West a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Pacific West is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Murder (index: 53), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 11).
How does Pacific West compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Pacific West's overall crime index is 46, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Pacific West is 79% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 36, and for property crime it is 24. 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 Pacific West?
The most prevalent crime type in Pacific West is Murder, with a crime index of 53 (47% below the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Pacific West?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beltz Haven, The Breakers, Arana Gulch and Santa Cruz Gardens. These areas are close to Pacific West and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Pacific West?
Pacific West has a population of approximately 191. The median household income is $96,961. The median home value is $1,238,234. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Pacific West crime compare to the national average?
Pacific West's overall crime rate is 54% below the national average (index 46 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.