Upper Ocean Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Cruz
Is Upper Ocean Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. Upper Ocean in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 181, which is 81% above the national average of 100. Upper Ocean is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Upper Ocean is 56% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 192, 92% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 130).
Upper Ocean 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
|
190 | +90% | High | |
|
Assault
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Rape
|
191 | +91% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
187 | +87% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
192 | +92% | High | |
How Upper Ocean Compares
Crime index by category: Upper Ocean vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Upper Ocean Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Upper Ocean Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Upper Ocean, Santa Cruz?
Upper Ocean in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 181, which is 81% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Upper Ocean is 56% higher. Upper Ocean is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.
Is Upper Ocean a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Upper Ocean has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 192), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 130). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.
How does Upper Ocean compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Upper Ocean's overall crime index is 181, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Upper Ocean is 56% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 187, and for property crime it is 170. 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 Upper Ocean?
The most prevalent crime type in Upper Ocean is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 192 (92% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Upper Ocean?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include River Street District, Water Street Corridor, Tanner Heights and Branciforte Drive. These areas are close to Upper Ocean and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Upper Ocean?
Upper Ocean has a population of approximately 1,031. The median household income is $25,019. The median home value is $838,050. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Upper Ocean crime compare to the national average?
Upper Ocean's overall crime rate is 81% above the national average (index 181 vs 100). Within Santa Cruz, it is safer than 0% 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.