Portola Pines 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 Portola Pines Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Portola Pines in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 35, which is 65% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Portola Pines is 90% 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: 117, 17% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 23). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Portola Pines 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
|
51 | -49% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
56 | -44% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
38 | -62% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
23 | -77% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
60 | -40% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
How Portola Pines Compares
Crime index by category: Portola Pines vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Portola Pines Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Portola Pines Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Portola Pines, Santa Cruz?
Portola Pines in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 35, which is 65% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Portola Pines is 90% lower.
Is Portola Pines a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Portola Pines is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 117), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 23).
How does Portola Pines compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Portola Pines's overall crime index is 35, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Portola Pines is 90% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 42, and for property crime it is 86. 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 Portola Pines?
The most prevalent crime type in Portola Pines is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 117 (17% 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 Portola Pines?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beltz Haven, The Breakers, Arana Gulch and Lower Seabright. These areas are close to Portola Pines and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Portola Pines?
Portola Pines has a population of approximately 23. The median household income is $59,191. The median home value is $848,429. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Portola Pines crime compare to the national average?
Portola Pines's overall crime rate is 65% below the national average (index 35 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.