Ponza Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Cruz
Is Ponza Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Ponza in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 16, which is 84% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Ponza is 109% 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: 50, 50% below average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 16).
Ponza 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
|
20 | -80% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
34 | -66% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
16 | -84% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
20 | -80% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
20 | -80% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
50 | -50% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
42 | -58% | Low | |
How Ponza Compares
Crime index by category: Ponza vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Ponza Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Ponza Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Ponza, Santa Cruz?
Ponza in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 16, which is 84% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Ponza is 109% lower.
Is Ponza a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Ponza is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 50), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 16).
How does Ponza compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Ponza's overall crime index is 16, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Ponza is 109% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 23, and for property crime it is 37. 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 Ponza?
The most prevalent crime type in Ponza is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 50 (50% below 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 Ponza?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beltz Haven, The Breakers, Arana Gulch and Lower Seabright. These areas are close to Ponza and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Ponza?
Ponza has a population of approximately 21. The median household income is $105,556. The median home value is $1,289,813. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Ponza crime compare to the national average?
Ponza's overall crime rate is 84% below the national average (index 16 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.