Surfside 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 Surfside Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Surfside in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 114, which is 14% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Surfside is 11% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 130, 30% above average), while vehicle theft is the lowest risk (index: 76).
Surfside 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
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
98 | -2% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
How Surfside Compares
Crime index by category: Surfside vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Surfside Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Surfside Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Surfside, Santa Cruz?
Surfside in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 114, which is 14% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Surfside is 11% lower.
Is Surfside a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Surfside is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 130), while Vehicle Theft is the lowest risk (index: 76).
How does Surfside compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Surfside's overall crime index is 114, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Surfside is 11% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 109, and for property crime it is 92. 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 Surfside?
The most prevalent crime type in Surfside is Assault, with a crime index of 130 (30% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Surfside?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lighthouse / The Circles, Lighthouse Field State Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach and Mission Street Corridor. These areas are close to Surfside and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Surfside?
Surfside has a population of approximately 982. The median household income is $107,687. The median home value is $1,538,788. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Surfside crime compare to the national average?
Surfside's overall crime rate is 14% above the national average (index 114 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.