Riverside Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Santa Cruz
Is Riverside Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Riverside in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 174, which is 74% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Riverside is 49% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 195, 95% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 121).
Riverside 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
|
190 | +90% | High | |
|
Assault
|
121 | +21% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Rape
|
144 | +44% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
162 | +62% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
194 | +94% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
186 | +86% | High | |
How Riverside Compares
Crime index by category: Riverside vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Riverside Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Riverside Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Riverside, Santa Cruz?
Riverside in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 174, which is 74% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Riverside is 49% higher.
Is Riverside a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Riverside has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 195), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 121).
How does Riverside compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Riverside's overall crime index is 174, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Riverside is 49% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 163, and for property crime it is 181. 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 Riverside?
The most prevalent crime type in Riverside is Robbery, with a crime index of 195 (95% 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 Riverside?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beach Hill / Beach Flats, Upper Seabright, San Lorenzo Park and Lower Seabright. These areas are close to Riverside and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Riverside?
Riverside has a population of approximately 298. The median household income is $66,747. The median home value is $1,137,032. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Riverside crime compare to the national average?
Riverside's overall crime rate is 74% above the national average (index 174 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.