River Street District Neighborhood, Santa Cruz

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safer than 39% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate

Low 124 / 300 High

Violent Crime 137

37% above national avg

Property Crime 167

67% above national avg

City Ranking

39%

safer than other

Santa Cruz neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Santa Cruz

Is River Street District Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. River Street District in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 124, which is 24% above the national average of 100. River Street District is safer than 39% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.

Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), River Street District is 1% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 185, 85% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 112). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk

Burglary · Index 185 (85% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Rape · Index 112 (12% above avg)

River Street District Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Santa Cruz city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Santa Cruz	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	154	+54%	+15%	High
Assault	124	+24%	-11%	Moderate
Robbery	157	+57%	+10%	High
Rape	112	+12%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	185	+85%	+65%	High
Larceny / Theft	171	+71%	+18%	High
Vehicle Theft	146	+46%	+5%	Moderate

How River Street District Compares

Crime index by category: River Street District vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

River Street District Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

River Street District Demographics & Context

Population

830

Median Income

$64,462

Home Value

$664,435

Median Age

Pop. Density

6,705/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 29%

Graduate Degree 18%

Housing

39%

61%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 68.6%

Black 4.5%

Hispanic 19.5%

Asian 8.1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Upper Ocean Index: 181

C-

Harvey West District Index: 86

A-

Water Street Corridor Index: 155

B-

Ocean Street Corridor Index: 160

C+

Tanner Heights Index: 98

A-

San Lorenzo Park Index: 195

B-

Branciforte Drive Index: 186

B-

Westlake Index: 71

A-

River Street District Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Santa Cruz Crime Statistics

View all Santa Cruz neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in River Street District, Santa Cruz?

River Street District in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 124, which is 24% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in River Street District is 1% lower. River Street District is safer than 39% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.

Is River Street District a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?

River Street District is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 185), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 112).

How does River Street District compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?

River Street District's overall crime index is 124, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in River Street District is 1% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 137, and for property crime it is 167. 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 River Street District?

The most prevalent crime type in River Street District is Burglary, with a crime index of 185 (85% 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 River Street District?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Harvey West District, Water Street Corridor, Tanner Heights and San Lorenzo Park. These areas are close to River Street District and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of River Street District?

River Street District has a population of approximately 830. The median household income is $64,462. The median home value is $664,435. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does River Street District crime compare to the national average?

River Street District's overall crime rate is 24% above the national average (index 124 vs 100). Within Santa Cruz, it is safer than 39% of neighborhoods. 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.