Western Heights Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Cruz
Is Western Heights Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Western Heights in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 170, which is 70% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Western Heights is 45% 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: 196, 96% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 154).
Western Heights 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
|
191 | +91% | High | |
|
Assault
|
179 | +79% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Rape
|
189 | +89% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
154 | +54% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
194 | +94% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
193 | +93% | High | |
How Western Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Western Heights vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Western Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Western Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Western Heights, Santa Cruz?
Western Heights in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 170, which is 70% above the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Western Heights is 45% higher.
Is Western Heights a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Western Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 196), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 154).
How does Western Heights compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Western Heights's overall crime index is 170, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Western Heights is 45% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 189, and for property crime it is 180. 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 Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Western Heights is Robbery, with a crime index of 196 (96% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Western Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Western Drive / Nobel, Moore Creek Upland Open Space, Westside Industrial District and King Street. These areas are close to Western Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Western Heights?
Western Heights has a population of approximately 8. The median household income is $102,799. The median home value is $1,061,050. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Western Heights crime compare to the national average?
Western Heights's overall crime rate is 70% above the national average (index 170 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.