Western Drive / Nobel Neighborhood, Santa Cruz

Crime Rate & Statistics

B

Good safety — crime rates are below the national average

Safer than 32% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 105 / 300 High
Violent Crime 160
60% above national avg
Property Crime 168
68% above national avg
City Ranking
32%
safer than other
Santa Cruz neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Santa Cruz

Is Western Drive / Nobel Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Western Drive / Nobel in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 105, which is 5% above the national average of 100. Western Drive / Nobel is safer than 32% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.

Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Western Drive / Nobel is 20% lower in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 188, 88% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 134).

Highest Risk
Robbery · Index 188 (88% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 134 (34% above avg)

Western Drive / Nobel 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
167 +67% High
Assault
134 +34% Moderate
Robbery
188 +88% High
Rape
150 +50% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
146 +46% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
187 +87% High
Vehicle Theft
171 +71% High

How Western Drive / Nobel Compares

Crime index by category: Western Drive / Nobel vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Western Drive / Nobel Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Western Drive / Nobel Demographics & Context

Population
3,745
Median Income
$110,678
Home Value
$1,098,173
Median Age
29
Pop. Density
4,211/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 29%
Graduate Degree 33.3%

Housing

54%
46%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 64.2%
Black 2.4%
Hispanic 12.6%
Asian 19.5%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Western Drive / Nobel, Santa Cruz?

Western Drive / Nobel in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 105, which is 5% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Western Drive / Nobel is 20% lower. Western Drive / Nobel is safer than 32% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.

Is Western Drive / Nobel a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?

Western Drive / Nobel is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 188), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 134).

How does Western Drive / Nobel compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?

Western Drive / Nobel's overall crime index is 105, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Western Drive / Nobel is 20% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 160, and for property crime it is 168. 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 Western Drive / Nobel?

The most prevalent crime type in Western Drive / Nobel is Robbery, with a crime index of 188 (88% 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 Western Drive / Nobel?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Moore Creek Upland Open Space, King Street, Westlake and Mission Street Corridor. These areas are close to Western Drive / Nobel and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Western Drive / Nobel?

Western Drive / Nobel has a population of approximately 3,745. The median household income is $110,678. The median home value is $1,098,173. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Western Drive / Nobel crime compare to the national average?

Western Drive / Nobel's overall crime rate is 5% above the national average (index 105 vs 100). Within Santa Cruz, it is safer than 32% 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.