Santa Maria Cliffs 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 Santa Maria Cliffs Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Santa Maria Cliffs in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 182, which is 82% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Santa Maria Cliffs is 57% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 190, 90% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 52). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Santa Maria Cliffs 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
|
102 | +2% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
190 | +90% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
52 | -48% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
How Santa Maria Cliffs Compares
Crime index by category: Santa Maria Cliffs vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Santa Maria Cliffs Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Santa Maria Cliffs Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Santa Maria Cliffs, Santa Cruz?
Santa Maria Cliffs in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 182, which is 82% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Santa Maria Cliffs is 57% higher.
Is Santa Maria Cliffs a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Santa Maria Cliffs is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 190), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 52).
How does Santa Maria Cliffs compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Santa Maria Cliffs's overall crime index is 182, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Santa Maria Cliffs is 57% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 113, and for property crime it is 147. 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 Santa Maria Cliffs?
The most prevalent crime type in Santa Maria Cliffs is Assault, with a crime index of 190 (90% 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 Santa Maria Cliffs?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lower Seabright, The Breakers, Beltz Haven and Arana Gulch. These areas are close to Santa Maria Cliffs and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Santa Maria Cliffs?
Santa Maria Cliffs has a population of approximately 54. The median household income is $154,286. The median home value is $1,751,790. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Santa Maria Cliffs crime compare to the national average?
Santa Maria Cliffs's overall crime rate is 82% above the national average (index 182 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.