Vista Prieta Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Santa Cruz
Is Vista Prieta Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Vista Prieta in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 179, which is 79% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Vista Prieta is 54% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 193, 93% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 23). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Vista Prieta 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
|
178 | +78% | High | |
|
Assault
|
189 | +89% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
23 | -77% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
193 | +93% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
185 | +85% | High | |
How Vista Prieta Compares
Crime index by category: Vista Prieta vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Vista Prieta Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Vista Prieta Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Vista Prieta, Santa Cruz?
Vista Prieta in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 179, which is 79% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Vista Prieta is 54% higher.
Is Vista Prieta a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Vista Prieta has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Rape (index: 193), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 23).
How does Vista Prieta compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Vista Prieta's overall crime index is 179, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Vista Prieta is 54% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 146, and for property crime it is 125. 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 Vista Prieta?
The most prevalent crime type in Vista Prieta is Rape, with a crime index of 193 (93% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Vista Prieta?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Arana Gulch, Prospect Heights, Santa Cruz Gardens and Banana Belt. These areas are close to Vista Prieta and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Vista Prieta?
Vista Prieta has a population of approximately 17. The median household income is $67,143. The median home value is $313,039. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Vista Prieta crime compare to the national average?
Vista Prieta's overall crime rate is 79% above the national average (index 179 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.