Santa Cruz County, CA Crime Statistics
Crime Overview
Santa Cruz County in CA is served by 4 law enforcement agencies. Over the past five years (2019-2024), the county recorded 6,884 violent crimes and 14,920 property crimes. The average violent crime rate stands at 83.2 per 100k residents, which is -21.7% below the national average. Property crime averages 121.9 per 100k, -25.5% below the national average. The most common offense was Property Crime, while Rape had the lowest rate. Data is sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer and reflects totals from the most recent five-year period.
Violent Crimes
Violent Crime
Grade BAnnual Rate83.2 per 100k residents
National Avg: 106.2 per 100k
Total Incidents6,884 (2019-2023)
Homicide
Grade FAnnual Rate2.6 per 100k residents
National Avg: 0.5 per 100k
Total Incidents15 (2019-2023)
Rape
Grade BAnnual Rate2.4 per 100k residents
National Avg: 3.5 per 100k
Total Incidents270 (2019-2023)
Robbery
Grade CAnnual Rate5.7 per 100k residents
National Avg: 5.8 per 100k
Total Incidents638 (2019-2023)
Aggravated Assault
Grade AAnnual Rate13.7 per 100k residents
National Avg: 22.3 per 100k
Total Incidents2,006 (2019-2023)
Property Crimes
Property Crime
Grade BAnnual Rate121.9 per 100k residents
National Avg: 163.6 per 100k
Total Incidents14,920 (2019-2023)
Burglary
Grade AAnnual Rate13.9 per 100k residents
National Avg: 24.0 per 100k
Total Incidents1,826 (2019-2023)
Larceny
Grade BAnnual Rate91.9 per 100k residents
National Avg: 116.4 per 100k
Total Incidents11,129 (2019-2023)
Motor Vehicle Theft
Grade BAnnual Rate14.8 per 100k residents
National Avg: 22.2 per 100k
Total Incidents1,758 (2019-2023)
Summary Table
| Crime Type | Annual Rate (per 100k residents) | Grade | Total Incidents (2019-2023) | National Avg | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 83.2 | B | 6884 | 106.2 | -21.7% |
| Property Crime | 121.9 | B | 14920 | 163.6 | -25.5% |
| Homicide | 2.6 | F | 15 | 0.5 | +392.2% |
| Rape | 2.4 | B | 270 | 3.5 | -31.4% |
| Robbery | 5.7 | C | 638 | 5.8 | -2.6% |
| Aggravated Assault | 13.7 | A | 2006 | 22.3 | -38.3% |
| Burglary | 13.9 | A | 1826 | 24.0 | -42.0% |
| Larceny | 91.9 | B | 11129 | 116.4 | -21.0% |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 14.8 | B | 1758 | 22.2 | -33.4% |
Crime Trends
Agencies
Capitola Police Department
Capitola, CA
Santa Cruz Police Department
Santa Cruz, CA
Watsonville Police Department
Watsonville, CA
Scotts Valley Police Department
Scotts Valley, CA