Situated between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is often called “The American Riviera” for its Spanish-style architecture, beaches, and cultural scene. With about 88,000 residents, it attracts students, professionals, and retirees alike, making it one of California’s most desirable coastal cities.
But when people consider moving to Santa Barbara, one question always comes up: Is Santa Barbara safe? Looking at the Santa Barbara CA crime rate offers some answers. Overall, crime data shows the city experiences typical crime levels that are lower than the California average, making it a very safe place compared to many other urban areas. In 2024, Part 1 crimes, which include both violent crimes and property crimes, fell countywide to their lowest levels in more than a decade, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Still, the reality is that Santa Barbara crime varies by neighborhood. In some areas, crime is quite prevalent, while in other areas, it’s far below the state and national average. For Santa Barbara residents and newcomers alike, understanding how violent crimes and property crimes shift across the city can help with choosing neighborhoods, boosting peace of mind, and planning for the future. So, let’s dive into the Santa Barbara CA crime rate.
Understanding the Santa Barbara California Crime Rate - How Are Crime Rates Calculated?
How safe is Santa Barbara? To answer this question, many people turn to the Santa Barbara CA crime rate. But before we do this, let’s take a look at how the Santa Barbara crime rate is calculated in the first place. The Santa Barbara CA crime rate is based on data reported to the FBI from local law enforcement agencies. These crime rates are typically sorted into violent crimes and property crimes and compared to the national average.
To get the overall crime rate, the FBI takes the total number of crimes committed in an area and then divides it by the number of residents in the city. Then, the numbers are multiplied by 1,000, which is why you see crime rates reported as “X number of crimes per 100,000 people.”
While the Santa Barbara CA crime rate is a good starting point, you shouldn’t use it as your only source of information, especially in such a large city like Santa Barbara. According to Denver Channel 7, the FBI actually discourages using crime rates to compare two cities. Crime rates severely lack context, and one or a few high-crime neighborhoods (or even streets) can drive the crime rate up for the entire city.
Additionally, it’s important to note that crime reporting is entirely voluntary, meaning that some areas may seem safer than others, when, in reality, the local law enforcement simply failed to report crimes for that year.
It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that many crimes are targeted. This means that the victim and assailant know each other, and the crime was not just random. This accounts for a very high number of crimes, but crime rates do not differentiate.
What Is the Santa Barbara Crime Rate?
Is Santa Barbara safe? To answer this question, we’ll take a look at the Santa Barbara CA crime rate and how it compares to the California average and the national average. Then we’ll take a look at violent and property crimes and compare Santa Barbara to nearby cities.
National Crime Rate:
- Overall crime rate: 2,324 crimes per 100,000 people
- Violent crime rate: 370 violent crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 1,954 property crimes per 100,000 people
California Crime Rate:
- Overall crime rate: 2,843 crimes per 100,000 people
- Violent crime rate: 500 crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 2,343 crimes per 100,000 people
Santa Barbara CA crime rate:
- Overall crime rate: 2,500 crimes per 100,000 people
- Violent crime rate: 455 crimes per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 2,044 crimes per 100,000 people
As you can see, the Santa Barbara CA crime rate sits somewhere in the middle, falling above the national average but below the California average. Most of the crimes are property crimes, and the city has a lower crime rate than many other California cities, like Los Angeles and Sacramento.
Santa Barbara Crime Map & Crime Reports
Is Santa Barbara a safe place to live? In addition to the Santa Barbara CA crime rate and Santa Barbara crime statistics, another good way to answer this question is to take a look at crime maps for the area.Â
One great resource is the City of Santa Barbara Community Crime Map powered by LexisNexis. This interactive crime map allows you to see crimes as they happen. You can filter by types of crimes, neighborhood, and more to get a good idea of what’s happening in your area.
Additionally, you can take a look at the heat map below, which shows areas where the Santa Barbara CA crime rate is higher (dark purple) and where it is lower (light purple). As you can see, most of the crime is concentrated in a few small areas in the center of the city, which is where there is more foot traffic and a higher population density, naturally leading to more crimes.
Violent Crime Rate in Santa Barbara
When considering the Santa Barbara CA crime rate, it’s important to take a look at the violent crime rate on its own. Violent crimes include things like murder, assault, rape, battery, and kidnapping. Violent crimes are not common in Santa Barbara, but it’s always good to be aware of the statistics.
Santa Barbara violent crime rate:
- Overall violent crime rate: 455 crimes per 100,000 people (8.9% lower than state average and 23.0% higher than national average)
- Santa Barbara murder rate: 3 per 100,000 people
- Santa Barbara murders by year: 3
- Chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Santa Barbara: 1 in 220
Property Crime Rate in Santa Barbara
Property crimes make up a big chunk of the Santa Barbara CA crime rate. Property crimes include incidents like petty theft, burglary, robbery, shoplifting, and carjacking.
Santa Barbara CA property crime rate:
- Overall property crime rate: 2,044 crimes per 100,000 people (12.8% lower than state average and 4.6% higher than national average)
- Total property crimes in Santa Barbara (2022): 1,795
- Chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Santa Barbara: 1 in 49
According to the Santa Maria Times, property crime in Santa Barbara is at its lowest level in the past decade, down 4% since 2023.
Areas to Avoid in Santa Barbara | Worst Neighborhoods in Santa Barbara
While the city overall enjoys a strong reputation for safety, some neighborhoods see higher crime levels than others. Understanding where the Santa Barbara CA crime rate runs higher can help newcomers and Santa Barbara residents make informed choices.
Waterfront
The Waterfront neighborhood, home to about 2,410 people, is a lively area filled with restaurants, shops, and beach attractions. Because of this high level of activity and tourism, the crime rate here is 314% higher than the Santa Barbara average. The biggest issues tend to be opportunistic crimes like petty theft, with crowded public spaces making it easier for pickpocketing and car break-ins.
Eastside
With a population of 7,326, the Eastside experiences a crime rate about 50% higher than the city average. As one of Santa Barbara’s more densely populated neighborhoods, more foot traffic and local businesses naturally lead to slightly more reported incidents.
Riviera
Known for its stunning hillside views, the Riviera is home to just 1,369 residents. Despite its beauty, the crime rate here is about 26% higher than Santa Barbara’s overall average. Issues are less about violent crime and more related to property crimes like burglary due to the secluded nature of hillside homes.
Safest Neighborhoods in Santa Barbara
For anyone wondering, “Is Santa Barbara safe?”, the answer often depends on the neighborhood. While certain areas have higher crime rates, several communities consistently stand out for their safety, strong sense of local pride, and family-friendly atmosphere. Here are three of the safest neighborhoods in Santa Barbara based on recent Santa Barbara CA crime rate data.
Las Positas
With a population of 5,327, Las Positas enjoys a crime rate that is 65% lower than the Santa Barbara average. This peaceful residential area offers tree-lined streets and a suburban feel, making it a favorite among families and retirees.
Mesa
Often simply called The Mesa, this coastal neighborhood is home to about 10,372 residents. The crime rate here is 42% lower than the citywide average, making it one of the safest communities in Santa Barbara.
Westside
The Westside, with 9,646 residents, has a crime rate 33% lower than the Santa Barbara average. While it’s more urban and diverse than some other neighborhoods, it maintains a strong sense of community.
Santa Barbara Safety Tips - How to Avoid Crime in Santa Barbara CA
Even though you generally don’t have to worry too much about the Santa Barbara CA crime rate, it’s important to do what you can to keep yourself safe. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind
- Lock your doors and windows
- Increase lighting around your home
- Avoid flashy displays of wealth
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially on public transportation
- Don’t leave valuables in your vehicles
- Park in well-lit areas
- Use resources like WalkSafe to find the best routes
Santa Barbara Police Department
The Santa Barbara Police Department works hard to manage the Santa Barbara CA crime rate. Founded in 1900 by the mayor at the time, the department now has nearly 260 law enforcement deputies on the force.
Santa Barbara police reports are public information, and you have the right to obtain your police report. You can fill out a request on the Santa Barbara CA website or bring your request directly to the Police Department.
City of Santa Barbara Police Department, 215 E Figueroa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, (805) 897-2465
Santa Barbara CA Crime Rate FAQs
Is Santa Barbara Safe?
Yes, Santa Barbara is a safe place to live.
Is Santa Barbara Dangerous?
No, Santa Barbara is not dangerous, but it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings when out in public.
Is Downtown Santa Barbara Safe?
Yes, Downtown Santa Barbara is safe. The roads are well-lit, and there are almost always people out and about.
What Is the Crime Rate in Santa Barbara?
The Santa Barbara CA crime rate is 2,500 crimes per 100,000 people.Â
What Is the Santa Barbara Murder Rate
There were three murders in Santa Barbara in 2022.
Give Movegreen a Call Today
So, is Santa Barbara safe? Yes, Santa Barbara is generally safe, and now that you know the ins and outs of the Santa Barbara CA crime rate, it’s time to get in touch with Movegreen. Our expert team is here to help you navigate everything from Santa Barbara neighborhoods to Santa Barbara moving costs. Give our Santa Barbara movers a call today at (866) 684-7336.
