University Terrace Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Cruz
Is University Terrace Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. University Terrace in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 97, which is 3% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), University Terrace is 28% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 183, 83% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 117).
University Terrace 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
|
162 | +62% | High | |
|
Assault
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Rape
|
143 | +43% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
163 | +63% | High | |
How University Terrace Compares
Crime index by category: University Terrace vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
University Terrace 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 Terrace Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in University Terrace, Santa Cruz?
University Terrace in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 97, which is 3% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in University Terrace is 28% lower.
Is University Terrace a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
University Terrace is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 183), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 117).
How does University Terrace compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
University Terrace's overall crime index is 97, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in University Terrace is 28% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 151, and for property crime it is 156. 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 Terrace?
The most prevalent crime type in University Terrace is Robbery, with a crime index of 183 (83% 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 Terrace?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Western Drive / Nobel, King Street, Moore Creek Upland Open Space and Westlake. These areas are close to University Terrace and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of University Terrace?
University Terrace has a population of approximately 632. The median household income is $105,327. The median home value is $1,380,226. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does University Terrace crime compare to the national average?
University Terrace's overall crime rate is 3% below the national average (index 97 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.