University of California Santa Cruz Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safer than 97% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Santa Cruz
Is University of California Santa Cruz Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. University of California Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 3, which is 97% below the national average of 100. University of California Santa Cruz is safer than 97% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), University of California Santa Cruz is 122% 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, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 174, 74% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 4).
University of California Santa Cruz 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
|
12 | -88% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
4 | -96% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
18 | -82% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
174 | +74% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
36 | -64% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
How University of California Santa Cruz Compares
Crime index by category: University of California Santa Cruz vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
University of California Santa Cruz Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
University of California Santa Cruz Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz?
University of California Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 3, which is 97% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in University of California Santa Cruz is 122% lower. University of California Santa Cruz is safer than 97% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.
Is University of California Santa Cruz a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
University of California Santa Cruz is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 174), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 4). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.
How does University of California Santa Cruz compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
University of California Santa Cruz's overall crime index is 3, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in University of California Santa Cruz is 122% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 52, and for property crime it is 57. 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 University of California Santa Cruz?
The most prevalent crime type in University of California Santa Cruz is Rape, with a crime index of 174 (74% 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 University of California Santa Cruz?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Pogonip, Westlake, Western Drive / Nobel and Harvey West District. These areas are close to University of California Santa Cruz and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of University of California Santa Cruz?
University of California Santa Cruz has a population of approximately 8,292. The median household income is $90,579. The median home value is $924,593. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does University of California Santa Cruz crime compare to the national average?
University of California Santa Cruz's overall crime rate is 97% below the national average (index 3 vs 100). Within Santa Cruz, it is safer than 97% of neighborhoods. 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.