Westlake Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 58% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz
Safety at a Glance
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in Santa Cruz
Is Westlake Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Westlake in Santa Cruz, CA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 71, which is 29% below the national average of 100. Westlake is safer than 58% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.
Compared to the Santa Cruz average (crime index 125), Westlake is 54% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Santa Cruz as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 158, 58% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 89).
Westlake 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
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
89 | -11% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
158 | +58% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
How Westlake Compares
Crime index by category: Westlake vs Santa Cruz average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Westlake Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Westlake Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Westlake, Santa Cruz?
Westlake in Santa Cruz, CA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 71, which is 29% below the national average. Compared to the Santa Cruz average, crime in Westlake is 54% lower. Westlake is safer than 58% of neighborhoods in Santa Cruz.
Is Westlake a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz?
Westlake is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Santa Cruz, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 158), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 89).
How does Westlake compare to the rest of Santa Cruz?
Westlake's overall crime index is 71, compared to the Santa Cruz average of 125. This means crime in Westlake is 54% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 124, and for property crime it is 126. 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 Westlake?
The most prevalent crime type in Westlake is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 158 (58% 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 Westlake?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include King Street, Harvey West District, California Street / Mission Hill and River Street District. These areas are close to Westlake and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Westlake?
Westlake has a population of approximately 2,092. The median household income is $146,586. The median home value is $1,487,878. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Westlake crime compare to the national average?
Westlake's overall crime rate is 29% below the national average (index 71 vs 100). Within Santa Cruz, it is safer than 58% 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.