Sunnyside Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Last updated: October 24, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Summary: Sunnyside, Santa Cruz Crime Rate (2026)
Sunnyside, Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is 95% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: October 24, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Cruz
Is Sunnyside Safe?
Mixed — the grade is relative to other neighborhoods, but crime is above the national average. Sunnyside in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 195, which is 95% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Sunnyside is 70% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 197, 97% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 161).
Sunnyside 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
|
197 | +97% | High | |
|
Assault
|
193 | +93% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Rape
|
196 | +96% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
161 | +61% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
197 | +97% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
197 | +97% | High | |
How Sunnyside Compares
Crime index by category: Sunnyside vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Sunnyside Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Sunnyside Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Sunnyside, Santa Cruz?
Sunnyside in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 195, which is 95% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Sunnyside is 70% higher.
Is Sunnyside a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Sunnyside has a mixed safety picture with a crime grade of B-, and an overall crime index 195 (95% above the national average). Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 197), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 161).
How does Sunnyside compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Sunnyside's overall crime index is 195, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Sunnyside is 70% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 196, and for property crime it is 185. 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 Sunnyside?
The most common crime type in Sunnyside is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 197 (97% above the national average). Homicide is the most elevated type versus the national average (index 197), not the most frequent crime. Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Sunnyside?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Soquel Avenue Corridor, Branciforte Drive, Water Street Corridor and San Lorenzo Park. These areas are close to Sunnyside and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Sunnyside?
Sunnyside has a population of approximately 83. The median household income is $36,987. The median home value is $1,018,342. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Sunnyside crime compare to the national average?
Sunnyside's overall crime rate is 95% above the national average (index 195 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 October 2026.