Villa Mar Vista Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Santa Cruz
Is Villa Mar Vista Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Villa Mar Vista in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 186, which is 86% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Villa Mar Vista is 61% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 198, 98% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 171).
Villa Mar Vista 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
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Assault
|
189 | +89% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
198 | +98% | High | |
|
Rape
|
171 | +71% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
198 | +98% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
193 | +93% | High | |
How Villa Mar Vista Compares
Crime index by category: Villa Mar Vista vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Villa Mar Vista Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Villa Mar Vista Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Villa Mar Vista, Santa Cruz?
Villa Mar Vista in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 186, which is 86% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Villa Mar Vista is 61% higher.
Is Villa Mar Vista a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Villa Mar Vista is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 198), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 171).
How does Villa Mar Vista compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Villa Mar Vista's overall crime index is 186, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Villa Mar Vista is 61% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 188, and for property crime it is 191. 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 Villa Mar Vista?
The most prevalent crime type in Villa Mar Vista is Robbery, with a crime index of 198 (98% 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 Villa Mar Vista?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beach Hill / Beach Flats, Downtown Santa Cruz, California Street / Mission Hill and San Lorenzo Park. These areas are close to Villa Mar Vista and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Villa Mar Vista?
Villa Mar Vista has a population of approximately 11. The median household income is $34,082. The median home value is $851,717. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Villa Mar Vista crime compare to the national average?
Villa Mar Vista's overall crime rate is 86% above the national average (index 186 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.