Southwestern 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 Southwestern Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Southwestern in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 86, which is 14% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Southwestern is 39% 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: 161, 61% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 81). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Southwestern 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
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
161 | +61% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
How Southwestern Compares
Crime index by category: Southwestern vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Southwestern Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Southwestern Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Southwestern, Santa Cruz?
Southwestern in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 86, which is 14% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Southwestern is 39% lower.
Is Southwestern a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Southwestern is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 161), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 81).
How does Southwestern compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Southwestern's overall crime index is 86, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Southwestern is 39% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 95, and for property crime it is 117. 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 Southwestern?
The most prevalent crime type in Southwestern is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 161 (61% 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 Southwestern?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lighthouse / The Circles, Lighthouse Field State Beach, Mission Street Corridor and California Street / Mission Hill. These areas are close to Southwestern and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Southwestern?
Southwestern has a population of approximately 227. The median household income is $82,701. The median home value is $1,326,738. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Southwestern crime compare to the national average?
Southwestern's overall crime rate is 14% below the national average (index 86 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.